Srinagar: The recent decision by the Jammu and Kashmir Transport Department to fix e-rickshaw fares at ₹10 per kilometer per vehicle (₹2.50 per kilometer per passenger) has sparked outrage among e-rickshaw drivers.
Terming the rates as “unrealistic” and “unsustainable,” drivers have suspended their services across the city, leaving commuters stranded.
The ongoing controversy between E-rickshaws and the transport department was finally settled on Monday after a meeting between authorities and representatives from the E-rickshaw association.
Officials from the E-rickshaw association stated that they met with the RTO Kashmir and SSP Traffic Srinagar, who assured them that the matter would be resolved within two to three days.
The dispute escalated earlier when the Transport Commissioner announced the fare structure for E-rickshaws. Many E-rickshaw drivers disagreed with the rates and subsequently stopped operating.
In a tweet on X, (formally twitter), Transport Commissioner J&K, Vishesh Mahajan wrote: During the day while interacting with the media the rate of e rickshaw was elaborated. “I would like to clarify that it is 10 rupees per Km per vehicle and not per passenger. I have asked the RTOs Jammu/Kashmir to further clarify and issue rate lists.”
Notably, the disruption impacted E-rickshaw operations across many parts of Srinagar city. On Monday, E-rickshaw drivers held protests in several areas of Srinagar city and Ganderbal district alike, expressing their dissatisfaction with the fare structure.
Auto drivers in Ganderbal district protested against the recently fixed fare rates by the government. “The drivers claim the rates are inadequate and unfair, and they are demanding a revision to protect their livelihoods,” a protester said.
Meanwhile, Arshid Bhat, General Secretary of the All J&K E-Rickshaw Association said that the issue has been resolved. “The protests that occurred yesterday and today were not called by our association. We met with the RTO Kashmir and SSP Traffic Srinagar, who assured us that the matter would be taken up with the authorities. E-rickshaws are now operating normally,” he said.
A senior official from the Srinagar Traffic Police said that they have no objection to E-rickshaws operating on city roads. “The Traffic Police is an implementing authority. If the fares are revised, we will ensure compliance. The revision of rates is solely the responsibility of the Transport Department, and they are only working on it,” the official said.
Similarly, as per an order issued in July 2024, by the office of the transport Commissioner J&K, the passenger fare for E-rickshaws was temporarily fixed at Rs 10 per kilometer per vehicle during the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024.
This arrangement was to remain in effect until the committee constituted under Government Order No. 74-TR of 2018, dated October 12, 2018, finalized the fare structure. Regional Transport Officers were directed to circulate and prominently display the fare list for public convenience and ensure compliance. (KNO)
