NEW DELHI: Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has directed the Transport Commissioner to take stern action against autorickshaws in Bengaluru — including app-based services — that charge fares above government-fixed rates, terming the practice a “daylight robbery”. In a strongly worded letter dated June 28, Reddy instructed officials to cancel permits and register cases against violators who refuse rides or demand excess fares. “If there is a complaint from passengers about overcharging, cancellation of the journey if the higher fare is not paid, immediate action should be taken and the permit of such autos should be cancelled and a case should be registered,” the minister wrote. Citing specific instances of overpricing, Reddy pointed to June 18 fare data from popular aggregator platforms. “Rapido Auto App charged Rs 100.89 per km, while Auto O App charged Rs 184.19 for a 4 km journey,” he said, calling the practice “unforgivable” and demanding urgent intervention. Currently, the state-fixed meter fare for autos is ₹30 for the first 1.9 km and ₹15 for every additional kilometre. However, complaints of drivers demanding exorbitant fares or cancelling rides if commuters refuse to pay extra continue to pour in, the minister said. Reddy added that while the Transport Department has acted in the past, stricter and more effective enforcement is now necessary. He has also attached screenshots sent by commuters as evidence and asked the department to prepare a robust action plan. “It has been directed to immediately formulate an effective action plan to protect the interest of the public and take stern action against the guilty auto drivers/owners,” he said.
