Commuters complain of rampant auto overcharging during

RK News
Comments 0
20 Dec 2025

Srinagar, Dec 19: Commuters across Srinagar have raised serious concerns over rampant overcharging by auto-rickshaw drivers during evening hours, alleging that the absence of alternative public transport after 7 pm has left them at the mercy of petrol-run autos. Residents said that services such as mini-buses, e-rickshaws and Srinagar Smart City buses largely disappear from the roads in the evening, forcing people especially office-goers, students and patients to rely solely on auto-rickshaws to reach their destinations. “After 7 pm, there is virtually no public transport available. Auto drivers take advantage of the situation and charge whatever they want,” said Sahim, a commuter. He alleged that he was charged Rs 200 for a ride from Jahangir Chowk to Bemina in the evening, a distance for which he usually pays around Rs 100 during daytime hours. Several commuters echoed similar complaints, stating that overcharging has become routine in the evenings and continues unchecked. “There is no monitoring by the concerned department. Drivers know that people have no option and they exploit that,” Ghulam Mohammad, a resident of Tulsi Bagh area said. Locals also questioned the absence of functional fare meters in many auto-rickshaws, calling it a major reason behind arbitrary fares. They demanded strict enforcement of rules mandating meters and regular checks to curb overcharging. Commuters urged the authorities to ensure the availability of public transport during evening hours and take stringent action against errant auto drivers to provide relief to passengers and restore fairness in urban mobility. They have appealed to SSP Traffic City and RTO Kashmir to look into the matter.