Transport union Chalak Shakti Union Vice President Anuj Kumar Rathore expressed concern over the stagnant fares of auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers in Delhi for the past 15 years. A three-day strike has been called from May 21 to May 23, urging drivers not to operate their vehicles, including auto, taxi, and Ola-Uber drivers. The strike is a response to the unaltered fares despite escalating costs of CNG, petrol, and diesel, posing challenges to drivers’ livelihoods.
Rathore highlighted that despite appeals to the government for fare revisions, no action has been taken. He mentioned a previous taxi policy from 15 years ago that fixed the fare at Rs 12.5 per kilometer for 70,000 registered vehicles in Delhi-NCR. Efforts including a petition to the High Court have been made to address the issue, with assurances from authorities for fare revisions.
The Transport Department’s Deputy Commissioner, Sanjay Ailawadi, assured a fare increase of Rs 20-25 for auto and taxi services, pending approval from the Lieutenant Governor’s office. This revision would also extend to Ola, Uber, and other app-based services. Rathore emphasized the current challenges faced by both drivers and customers, with drivers often canceling rides due to low fares, influenced by company monopolies and inflation.
Appealing to drivers to sustain the strike for three days, Rathore expressed confidence that the government would respond positively during this period. He emphasized that once the government commits to fare adjustments, the strike will be called off. Rathore also addressed alleged misinformation spread by certain government-based transport organizations, urging drivers to stand united in the strike to compel the government to address their concerns.
