Auto meters in Belagavi
Belagavi residents continue to bear the brunt of high auto fares as officials delay mandatory meters. For More Details : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/belagavi-auto-rickshaws-the-meter-dilemma-continues/articleshow/115188432.cms
Unfulfilled Promises on Auto Meters
Belagavi: For years, Belagavi residents have faced high auto fares due to the lack of mandatory meters in auto rickshaws. Various district commissioners have pledged to address this issue, but auto meters remain a distant reality. The latest assurance came from the new Deputy Commissioner (DC), Mohammad Roshan, who promised to enforce meters starting October 1. However, he has taken no action yet, leaving passengers frustrated and paying unpredictable rates.
While cities like Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Mangaluru have successfully implemented mandatory meters, Belagavi’s 12,000 auto rickshaws operate without them. As a result, drivers can charge arbitrary rates, often as high as ₹200 for short distances, making travel costly and unpredictable for residents. The former city police commissioner, BS Lokesh Kumar, tried to curb this issue by encouraging passengers to report drivers overcharging fares, but without consistent enforcement, these measures have largely faded.
Drivers Seek Fare Revision Before Implementation
Mansoor Honagekar, president of the Auto Rickshaw Drivers Association, supports implementing meters if officials revise the fare from ₹20 to ₹40 per kilometer. Honagekar also emphasized the need for accessible meter repair services. DC Roshan plans to meet with stakeholders after the winter session to discuss a practical approach for implementing mandatory meters.
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