E-Rickshaw, Auto Drivers in Ganderbal Demand Revision of Fare Rates

Srinagar: Scores of e-rickshaw and auto drivers in Ganderbal staged a protest against the recently revised fare rates, calling them inadequate to cover rising operational costs. The protest was held in the main town area, where drivers raised slogans demanding a revision of the fare structure.
The protesters alleged that the new rates fixed by the government fail to consider the increasing cost of fuel and other expenses, leaving them unable to sustain their livelihoods. “We’re not against the government, but the fare rates must be revised so we can earn a dignified living,” said one of the protesting drivers. “The current rates are so low that we are barely able to make ends meet.” The drivers also voiced frustration over being excluded from the consultation process before the fares were fixed. They demanded the government take their concerns into account and include their representatives in future deliberations on fare revisions.