Deekshith D V
Pics: Meryick D’Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Jan 28: A section of commuters had a harrowing time on Wednesday January 28 as the auto rickshaw drivers of the city kept their vehicles off the road demanding that the district administration review the auto fares.

As per the order issued by deputy commissioner A B Ibrahim earlier this month, the minimum auto fare was reduced from Rs 25 to Rs 20. However, the auto drivers have been unhappy with the revised fares and charging commuters the same as before.

On Wednesday, commuters from Mangalore Central Railway Station to bus stand and vicinity had to suffer as there were no auto rickshaws to ferry them and their luggage.

Leaders of Rickshaw Chalakaru Horata Samiti, which has taken the initiative to protest, with the support of all-like minded organizations, asserted that they would continue the protest till the district administration meets their demands. They also complained that they are ready to accept the revised fare if it is implemented throughout the state.

Speaking to daijiworld.com, Jayaprakash, leader of the Horata Samiti said, "We will continue the protest till we get justice. The old auto fare should be restored. It is impossible to run an auto for a minimum of Rs 20. Though the administration organized a meeting to set right the issue, our demand was not considered. We will continue our protest for the second day till our demand is met."

Auto drivers also argued that the cost of living was very high and that prices of essential commodities had not come down.

Regional transport officer Afzal Khan, speaking to daijiworld.com, said, “We have tried to convince the auto drivers and asked them to restore services, but they have refused to do so.
From tomorrow, city buses plying from Kankanady via Hampankatta will be asked to ply via railway station so that the commuters from railway station may not face inconvenience. We have also asked taxi drivers to charge a reasonable amount.”

B Vishnumoorthy, president, Mangalore Auto Rickshaw Sangha, said, “At least the district administration should give three months’ time. This is not done in any other districts in Karnataka except Dakshina Kannada.”

He also said that they have filed a writ in the High Court regarding the issue.

As the autos were not seen plying, buses saw more passengers than usual and they could reach their destination faster due to less traffic.