Auto fares up in state after 14 yrs, first 1.6 km to cost ₹30, ₹14 for extra km | Hyderabad News
Hyderabad: Autorickshaw fares in Telangana are set to increase for the first time in 14 years, with the govt fixing a minimum fare of Rs 30 for the first 1.6 km and Rs 14 for every subsequent kilometre. Detention charges will be 75 paise per minute, while night fares will be 1.5 times the normal fare between 11 pm and 5 am.The Telangana govt issued a GO on Friday announcing the tariff. The order said digital meters will be reset within three months. Until then, autos must display approved tariff cards showing the existing and revised fares. The govt has also allowed a luggage charge of 50 paise per package, subject to specific conditions.Auto unions, however, expressed dissatisfaction, having sought a minimum fare of Rs 40 and Rs 18 for every subsequent kilometre.Telangana Auto Unions Joint Action Committee (JAC) leader A Sathireddy said its representatives met transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Friday and discussed problems faces by auto drivers.“The decision does not fully address the problems of auto workers. We had demanded a minimum fare of Rs 40. The minister told us that the fares could not be increased in one go and that the rates would be revised again later,” Sathireddy said.He said the minister also assured the unions that an auto workers’ welfare board would be constituted shortly and action against autos from other districts allegedly operating in unauthorised areas. The govt also agreed to examine the demand to convert Ola and Uber two-wheelers into yellow-board vehicles, Sathireddy said.The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) alleged that the govt had taken a unilateral decision despite discussions with auto union representatives.“While the govt held discussions with representatives of auto unions, it is not appropriate to issue orders unilaterally without properly considering their views,” BMS representative Ravishankar Alluri said. The BMS called on drivers to collect a minimum fare of Rs 50 and announced three days of protests from Saturday.
Source link
