E-Rickshaw Controversy: Authorities Assure “Fair Fare” Resolution

Srinagar, Jan 20: 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, told 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. (ANH)