Proposal to Hike Auto Fares from Rs 20 to Rs 30 in Telangana Submitted
The officials' committee, in its report to the government, noted that auto fares have not changed in the last 12 years and that they should now be increased.
Hyderabad: A committee has recommended to the state government that auto-rickshaw fares in Telangana be increased. According to the new proposed rates, the minimum fare for the first 1.6 km would be Rs 30, with Rs 14 for every kilometer thereafter. Transport Commissioner Dr. K. Ilambharathi has recently submitted this report to the government. Once the government approves these recommendations, orders on the auto fare hike will be issued.
The committee has suggested a waiting charge of 75 paise per minute, and a 50% surcharge over the regular fare during night hours. In its report to the government, the committee also noted that auto fares have not changed in the last 12 years and that they should now be increased.
The Telangana State Auto and App-Based Unions' coalition had given a call for an indefinite strike from August 7, seeking action on 14 demands. At a meeting with union representatives on August 23, officials said proposals would be sent within 15 days, following which the unions withdrew their strike decision. Officials from the transport department studied auto fares in Kerala, Delhi, Karnataka (Bengaluru), and Maharashtra (Mumbai), and submitted a report.
The officials' committee report explained that fuel prices, along with insurance and other costs, have increased, and hence recommended a fare hike. It also took into account factors such as the auto price of Rs 2.55 lakh, a 70% bank loan, a driver's monthly salary of Rs 25,000, and an average daily travel distance of 163.8 km. The maintenance cost per revenue-earning kilometer works out to Rs 13.53, based on which Rs 14 was recommended.
