Delhi govt gives go ahead for hiking auto fare

Delhiites will soon have to shell out more for commuting by autorickshaws with the city government today giving the go ahead for hike in auto fare following increase in the prices of CNG.

After the cabinet meeting, chief minister Sheila Dikshit told reporters that the new rates would be announced in a day or two by the transport department.

"Because of the hike in gas price, the auto fare has to be increased. We discussed the issue thread-bare and the rates will be announced by the transport department either tomorrow or day after tomorrow," Dikshit said.

Sources said that the minimum fare may be increased from current Rs10 (first 1km) to Rs20 (for first 2km).

Subsequently, 1km fare after the first 2km will be Rs6.50 instead of the current Rs4.50.

However, the rates have not been finalised yet. The transport department will declare the rates after holding final round of negotiations with the unions.

The state government's move comes after autorickshaw unions threatened to go on a strike last month after the Centre decided to hike the CNG rate.

They had been contending that since the price of the natural gas has been hiked five times in the past one year, they need a hike in the fare structure too.

The CNG rate in Delhi has gone up by Rs5.60 per kg — from Rs21.90 to Rs27.50 per kg.

Last time, the Delhi government had effected a raise in the fares of autorickshaws and taxis in 2007.