Vehicle Fare Hike: Daily commuters in Jammu and Kashmir have faced a major setback. The government of the Union Territory has sanctioned a notable 18 percent hike in the maximum fares for all categories of commercial passenger vehicles. This move will have a direct effect on the everyday expenses and budgets of the average person.
Which trains have seen fare increases?
As per an official announcement from the Transport Department, these updated fare rates will be applicable to nearly all commercial vehicles operating within the state. This includes:
Large and medium buses
Mini Buses
Taxis and Maxi Cabs
tourist cab
auto rickshaw
Tata Magic vehicles
This new directive from the government was issued under the Motor Vehicles Act. It modifies the earlier notification released on March 19, 2021, and enforces the new fare rates immediately.
New rates have also been established for electric vehicles (EVs). In addition to petrol and diesel vehicles, the government has also set new fare rates for electric vehicles, which are becoming increasingly popular in the state:
E-Rickshaw: Passengers will now need to pay a fare of Rs 15 per kilometer for e-rickshaw rides.
E-Auto: A ride in an e-auto will cost Rs 25 for the first kilometer, with an additional charge of Rs 20 for each subsequent kilometer.
Following this decision by the administration, transporters have received significant relief, but for the average citizen grappling with inflation, this daily commute has become more costly.
The government has increased fares by 18 percent over the rates implemented on March 19, 2021. At that time, fares were increased by 19 percent. On December 23 of last year, a meeting was held between transporters and the government at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu, where transporters demanded a 40 percent fare increase. An 18 percent increase was agreed upon.
On March 13, a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah approved an 18 percent fare hike for public passenger vehicles. Fares will also increase for large buses and minibuses, as well as base-model taxis (Sumo, Bolero, Winger), medium-segment tourist taxis (Scorpio, Tavera), and premium-class tourist taxis (Innova, Fortuner). The same increase will also apply to vehicles like petrol autorickshaws and Tata Magics. Transport Commissioner Visheshpal Mahajan said the notification has been issued.
