Telangana autos get long-awaited fare hike

Hyderabad: The Telangana government has revised the fares for auto-rickshaws in the state, bringing relief to a sector that has been operating under tariff rates fixed more than a decade ago.

The revised tariff provides for a minimum fare of Rs 30 for the first 1.6 kilometres, followed by Rs 14 for every subsequent kilometre. The new fare structure also includes a detention charge of 75 paise per minute.

For journeys between 11 pm and 5 am, passengers will have to pay one-and-a-half times the normal fare.

In a Government Order No. 46 issued by the Transport Department, the revised fares need to be immediately implemented. The government order, issued by Vikas Raj, Special Chief Secretary, Transport, Roads and Buildings Department, directs the State and Regional Transport Authorities to implement the revised fares for auto rickshaws registered and operating in Telangana.

For auto-rickshaw drivers, the fare revision comes after a long wait. With the previous tariff having remained unchanged since 2014, drivers have faced rising operating expenses over the years, including fuel, vehicle maintenance and other day-to-day costs.

Under the new tariff, digital auto meters will be programmed to register the Rs 30 minimum fare as soon as the vehicle is engaged. After the first 1.6 kilometres, the meter will calculate the fare at Rs 1.40 for every 100 metres.

The Transport Commissioner has been given three months from the date of issuance of the order to facilitate resetting of existing digital meters to the revised tariff.

Until the meters are reset, auto rickshaws are required to display an approved tariff card showing both the existing and revised fares.

The order also specifies luggage provisions. Luggage must accompany the passenger, while a charge of 50 paise per package applies, except for briefcases, handbags and attached cases or bags measuring less than 60 cm by 40 cm. The maximum permissible luggage is fixed at 100 kg.

In August, The Telangana State Auto Drivers and App-Based Associations Joint Action Committee (JAC) had called an indefinite strike of auto, cab and school van drivers on 14 demands, including revision of meter fares.

They had also urged the government to provide financial assistance of Rs 12,000 annually to compensate for the losses, similar to welfare measures implemented in Andhra Pradesh.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MM Farooqui

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M M Farooqui, senior correspondent with interest in writing a range of stories about Hyderabad and its Purana Sheher. An experienced journalist specializing in departments including Heritage, Transport, Municipal Corporation, Majlis among others with over six years of writing expertise. When not immersed in writing, he can be found spending time in eating Hyderabadi cuisines, Mughlai, Chinese, exploring new things and listening to songs and qawwalis. Farooqui is an accomplished writer with a passion for writing with six years of experience, he has honed his craft in various genres. Farooqui’s diverse family history and embracing cultures have enriched his writing with unique perspectives.

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