Authorities sit on installation of fare meters in auto-rickshaws

Srinagar, Dec 24: Despite directives, the auto-rickshaw drivers continue to operate without fare meters in the summer capital.

Authorities in 2016 had directed for installation of electronic fare meters in auto-rickshaws which were aimed to bring transparency and fairness to the system.

However, the enforcement of this directive appears to have waned over time, with many drivers reverting to their old practices of charging passengers arbitrarily.

Passengers said despite repeated instructions from the authorities, these auto-rickshaws are plying without meters in blatant disregard of the rules.

They said that auto- fares have become unaffordable for them, as they are being charged by these rickshaw drivers at their will.

"At times, we couldn't find other means of transport. Even rickshaws ply on specific roads. So, we don’t have an option other than boarding an auto," said Manzoor Ahmad, a passenger.

Another passenger said that the limited alternative transportation options further compound the issue, forcing passengers into autos without a transparent fare system.

Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir Shahnawaz Bukhari said that they are conducting drives to check for meter installations “but face limitations due to resource constraints.”

He said that auto-rickshaw drivers must adhere to the prescribed rate list, charging passengers Rs 20 per kilometer.

Bukhari urged passengers to file complaints against overcharging, promising appropriate action.

"We have only four people in the city. It is not possible for us to check every auto. They have to charge passengers Rs 20 per kilometer," he said.

He said that the rates have been fixed for two years. "But rates have been set keeping in mind the petrol rates in 2023,” he said.

SSP Traffic, Srinagar, Muzaffar Hussain told Greater Kashmir that they are acting against meter-less autos, seizing and penalising them.

However, he highlighted the need for a revised rate list, addressing claims by penalised drivers that they were unaware of any updates.