The Delhi Government on Wednesday set up a fare revision committee for auto-rickshaws and taxis to revise their fares in the national Capital in the wake of growing demands from the unions due to massive rise in the CNG, Petrol and diesel prices. The unions of auto, taxis and cab aggregators on Monday went on strike, pressing their demand to increase fares. Top sources said that Special Commissioner (Transport) will be chairman of the committee. The committee is expected to submit their recommendations within 30 days. The fare revision committee would comprise DC (Vehicle Inspection Unit/Auto Rickshaw Unit/Taxi Unit), the Deputy Commissioner and the Deputy Controller of Accounts, along with 2 nominated District Transport Officers (DTOs) and a technical expert. In addition to this, members of civil society including representatives from Resident Welfare Associations, commuters and students are also part of the committee.

Sources said that CK Goyal, (VP) Road Transport , Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMIT)  will render technical assistance  /support to the committee.

The Committee, following these consultations, was notified on Wednesday, under Section 67 (1) of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, which gives the State Government the power to issue directions to both State Transport Authority and Regional Transport Authorities by notification in the official gazette from time to time. CNG prices have risen by Rs 15.6 per kg in less than six weeks. The price of CNG is currently Rs 71.61 per kg in Delhi.  The National Capital currently has close to 97,000 autos including newly registered e-autos, 12,000 yellow-black taxis, and 50,000 economy radio taxis; all of these categories are expected to benefit from the revised fares. Commenting on the setting up the committee, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot said committee has been formulated and directions have already been issued to provide a report as early as possible.

“I assure you that we will come up with a solution that is amicable to drivers/owners and commuters alike.

Meanwhile, I request the taxi owners/drivers who are still on strike to resume their duties so that the Delhi public is not inconvenienced. 

The Kejriwal Government understands the plight of drivers and owners who are affected by the rising fuel prices. Over the last 2 days, I have met with many auto and taxi unions and discussed various issues they are facing,” Gehlot added.

The Delhi government on Friday announced setting up a committee for considering a revision of auto and taxi fare in a time-bound manner.

The auto fares were last revised in 2019 while taxi fares were revised in 2013.

The Delhi government in June 2019 had notified new auto-rickshaw fares, effecting more than 18 per cent increase over prevailing rates and raising per Km charge from Rs 8 to Rs 9.5.

The auto and taxi association of Delhi had written a letter to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on April 6 demanding that they be provided with a subsidy of Rs 35 per kg on CNG. 

On April 11, hundreds of auto, taxi and cab drivers staged a protest at the Delhi secretariat, demanding a subsidy on CNG prices. The protest was held under the aegis of the Delhi Auto Rickshaw Sangh.