Transport dept recommends review of fares of last mile connectivity services

New Delhi: The Transport Department of the Delhi government has recommended a review of fares of last-mile connectivity services, including auto-rickshaws and the Gramin Sewa, officials said.

The move comes a day after some representatives of autorickshaw drivers' union met Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and demanded a hike in auto fares. 

"The government has proposed to form a committee to review auto fares. It is recommended that the panel should also look into demands of fare hike by Gramin sewa, Eco-friendly sewa and Phat phat sewa drivers," an official said.

The fares of autos have remained unchanged since 2013, while Gramin sewa and Phat phat sewa fares were raised last time in 2009, he said. 

The BJP has suggested that the government should provide subsidy to auto drivers instead of considering a fare hike. 

"Any increase in fare in the present circumstances will benefit neither the drivers nor the public," said Vijender Gupta, the leader of opposition in the Delhi Assembly.

The government should give adequate subsidy to auto drivers in purchase of CNG and auto-rickshaws rather than increased auto fares, he said.