Autorickshaw fares set to be hiked in Delhi? Here's what is afoot

At a time when Delhi Metro commuters are trying to adjust their transport budgets after it hiked fares a few months ago, they are set to face another setback as one more harsh measure may well be on the way that will impact their wallets.  A committee is being formed to decide the revision of autorickshaw fares , Transport minister Kailash Gahlot said. Delhiites  are already shelling out a lot more for Delhi Metro ride, now they may have to brace for a autorickshaw fares hike  too. Notably, in the wake of the hike in Metro fares, ridership had fallen significantly, but is now returning to normal.

Last time in 2013, the government had hiked the fares of autorickshaws by 25%. The base fare of autorickshaws was raised from Rs 19 for the first two kilometres to Rs 25 after several unions had demanded hike in fares in view of increase in prices of fuel and growing number of taxis and cabs on the city roads, all of which was affecting their business adversely. 

Gahlot reportedly received  a petition from an auto union recently in this regard. "Kailash Gahlot has directed to form a panel to come up with suggestions on fare revision. The panel  is yet to be formed," PTI reported citing a government official.