Are Ahmedabad's Rickshaws Without Meters Facing a Crackdown?
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Synopsis
In a bold move to enforce fare transparency, Ahmedabad's police have mandated rickshaw drivers to install functioning meters by January 2025. With over 28,000 fines already issued, this crackdown aims to curb inflated fares, ensuring fair pricing for commuters. Will this initiative restore trust in the city's rickshaw services?
Key Takeaways
- Mandatory meter installation for rickshaw drivers by January 1, 2025.
- Over 28,112 fines issued for non-compliance.
- Public complaints prompted this enforcement action.
- Standardized fare pricing aims to benefit commuters.
- Rickshaws are crucial for urban transport in Gujarat.
Ahmedabad, May 13 (NationPress) - The Commissioner of Ahmedabad City Police, G.S. Malik, has declared that all rickshaw operators must have functional meters installed by January 1, 2025. Despite this clear directive and the allowance period, enforcement has uncovered a significant level of non-adherence. To date, the city's traffic police have fined 28,112 rickshaw drivers for not using meters, accumulating an impressive Rs 1.56 crore in penalties.
The enforcement action comes after an increase in public grievances regarding rickshaw drivers allegedly imposing inflated fares, particularly during peak hours or in areas with high demand.
Commissioner Malik stated, “There were persistent reports of rickshaw pullers charging fares above the standard rate. We had granted them until January 1 to install meters. Now, if a rickshaw is caught operating without a meter, a penalty will be imposed. After the second offense, we will classify it as a permit violation, leading to the rickshaw's detention.”
The Commissioner urged all rickshaw owners and drivers to adhere to the new regulation to avoid fines and legal repercussions.
“Meters are provided during annual RTO renewals, yet many drivers neglect to bring them along. This practice cannot persist,” he stressed.
Officials indicate that this decision was motivated by concerns from daily commuters who frequently felt taken advantage of by arbitrary fare charges. With this new regulation, passengers are now expected to pay only the metered fares, promoting fair pricing throughout the city.
Auto rickshaws are an essential component of Gujarat's urban transportation system, providing an affordable and accessible travel option for millions each day.
As per data from the Gujarat RTO, there are over 3.5 lakh registered auto rickshaws in the state, with the highest numbers found in cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot. These three-wheelers significantly contribute to local mobility, especially for last-mile connectivity in crowded urban areas and rural outskirts.
Point of View
The decision by Ahmedabad's police to enforce meter installations in rickshaws reflects a growing commitment to consumer rights and fare regulation. This initiative, driven by public demand for fair pricing, is essential in maintaining trust in urban transport systems across India. The enforcement of such measures could pave the way for similar regulations nationwide.
NationPress
31/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for rickshaw drivers to install meters?
Rickshaw drivers in Ahmedabad must install functional meters by January 1, 2025.
How many drivers have been fined so far?
To date, 28,112 rickshaw drivers have been penalized for operating without meters.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Drivers found operating without a meter will face fines, and repeated violations may lead to the rickshaw being detained.
Why is this crackdown happening?
The crackdown follows numerous public complaints about inflated fares charged by rickshaw drivers.
How many auto rickshaws are registered in Gujarat?
There are over 3.5 lakh registered auto rickshaws in Gujarat.
