Mangaluru: Autorickshaw drivers’ unions in Dakshina Kannada have urged the district administration to revise auto fares, seeking an increase in the minimum fare from ₹35 to ₹50 for the first 1.5 kilometres and a hike in the per-kilometre charge from ₹15 to ₹30.

The demand was raised during the Road Transport Authority (RTA) meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V. on Thursday.

Drivers seek fare revision

Representatives of various autorickshaw unions said rising prices of fuel, LPG, CNG, spare parts and vehicle maintenance have significantly increased their operating expenses, making a fare revision necessary.

Arun Kumar, representing the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike-affiliated Auto Drivers’ Association, said the increase in fuel and essential commodity prices has severely affected drivers’ livelihoods and called for an immediate revision of auto fares.

Unions propose changes to waiting charges

The unions also demanded changes to waiting charges.

Dakshina Kannada Auto Drivers’ Association president Vishnumurthy proposed reducing the free waiting period from 15 minutes to 10 minutes, after which passengers should be charged ₹5 per minute.

Meanwhile, Mohan, representing the Karnataka Pragathipara Auto Drivers’ Association, suggested allowing only five minutes of free waiting and charging ₹2 per minute thereafter.

Separate urban and rural fares proposed

Ganesh R. Shaktinagar, convener of the Karnataka Drivers’ Union, urged the authorities to introduce separate fare structures for autorickshaws operating in urban and rural areas of Mangaluru to protect the interests of city-based drivers.

He also called for the establishment of additional CNG filling stations across the city.

Representatives further sought revisions to night fares and luggage charges, while Rahiman Boliyar of the Social Democratic Trade Union appealed to the state government to provide financial assistance to auto drivers, similar to the relief extended during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Administration assures review

Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V. assured the unions that all their demands would be examined before any decision on fare revision is taken.

He noted that fuel prices have risen sharply over the past few years, with LPG increasing from ₹62.40 to ₹86.80 per litre, CNG from ₹76 to ₹95 per kg, petrol from ₹101 to ₹110 per litre, and diesel from ₹87.40 to ₹98 per litre, highlighting the financial burden on drivers