The revised fares on auto-rickshaws in Delhi are likely to become effective by the end of May, post general election results.

On 8 March, the Delhi cabinet had approved the proposal to hike autorickshaw fares from the existing Rs 8 per kilometre to Rs 9.50. Further, the base price of Rs 25 was proposed to become applicable to the first one-kilometre ride from the existing two-kilometres.

Despite approving the new fee structure, the government decided not to make the rates applicable immediately. The new plan needs to be first notified by the transport department and a calibration of fare metres in autorickshaws will then begin. They will be allowed to charge the hiked fare only after getting their fare metres adjusted.

"The autorickshaw fare couldn't be notified because the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha elections came into effect. The transport minister has now written to the commissioner, reminding him that the revised fare should be notified as soon as the code of conduct is lifted," an official told PTI.

A nine-member government-appointed committee was formed to make recommendations for the fare revision of autorickshaws and other modes of transport. The committee studied existing rates in Mumbai and also considered the rising fuel and maintenance cost and inflation before finalising the new rates. It was headed by special commissioner (transport), Anil Banka, and included other senior officials of the transport department as well as the representatives of different Residents Welfare Associations of Delhi and student community.

According to the proposal, the fare of taxis, Gramin Sewa and RTVs is also expected to be revised once it is notified for the autorickshaws.

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