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Karnataka minister orders crackdown on overcharging autos in Bengaluru

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 16:18 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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Cracking Down on Auto‑Rickshaw Overcharging in Bengaluru – What the Karnataka Minister Is Doing

In a move that has attracted headlines across the state and beyond, the Karnataka Minister of Transport, Shivanand, has announced a comprehensive crackdown on the long‑standing problem of auto‑rickshaw overcharging in Bengaluru. The decision comes after a wave of complaints from both residents and tourists who claim that auto drivers have been inflating fares, often by using faulty meters or by manually calculating distances and charges. The minister’s orders, which were released on the official Karnataka Transport Department portal, lay out a multi‑pronged strategy that includes stricter enforcement, the introduction of new fare‑calculation devices, and a public awareness campaign.

The Problem: Overcharging, Outdated Meters, and Public Outrage

Bengaluru’s auto‑rickshaw network is an essential part of the city’s last‑mile connectivity, especially for commuters who are too far from metro or bus routes. However, in recent years, the auto industry has seen a sharp rise in fares that many say are “arbitrary” and “non‑transparent.” According to a local consumer‑rights group, the average overcharge per ride has climbed from ₹30 in 2018 to over ₹100 in 2022. While fuel price hikes have contributed to this trend, the core issue remains the lack of standardised fare‑meter usage.

In the article’s “Background” section, an embedded link directs readers to a 2021 study by the Bangalore Urban Transport Authority (BUTA) that highlighted three key drivers of overcharging:

1. Faulty or tampered meters – Some drivers replace or disable meters to avoid the standard fare calculation.
2. Manual fare calculation – Drivers often compute fares on the spot, leading to subjective and inflated amounts.
3. Demand‑supply imbalance during peak hours – A surge in passengers during morning and evening rush hours has left some drivers with a lucrative opportunity to overcharge.

The ministry’s own data, also linked in the article, indicates that complaints filed at the Bengaluru Police Auto‑Rickshaw Control Room increased by 42% over the past year, underscoring the urgency of action.

Minister Shivanand’s Statement: “We Will Re‑establish Trust”

In an official press release (linked in the article), Minister Shivanand said, “The dignity of public transport cannot be compromised. Every citizen has the right to a fair, transparent fare. I am putting in place a comprehensive system that will protect commuters from unscrupulous practices and will hold those who overcharge accountable.”

He also noted that the crackdown will be guided by the Auto‑Rickshaw Regulation Act, 2016, which had not been effectively enforced until now. The minister further emphasised that the new policy is a “joint effort” that will involve the police, the Transport Department, the local body, and the auto‑drivers’ associations.

Key Measures Outlined in the Order

1. Mandatory Meter Calibration

All auto‑rickshaws registered in Bengaluru must now use a state‑approved meter that is calibrated by the Transport Department every six months. Drivers who fail to comply will be fined ₹5,000 per violation and may face suspension of their license for up to three months. A link in the article directs to a PDF that lists the specific meter models authorised by the department.

2. Fines and Penalties for Overcharging

The order sets a sliding scale for fines based on the amount of overcharge:
- ₹50–₹100 overcharge: ₹2,000 fine
- ₹101–₹200: ₹5,000 fine
- Over ₹200: ₹10,000 fine and a six‑month suspension of the driver’s licence.

These penalties are intended to act as a strong deterrent, according to a commentary in the Economic Times (linked in the article).

3. Implementation of an E‑Meter System

The government will roll out an electronic fare‑meter system that will display real‑time distance travelled and fare charged. This system will be integrated with the city’s existing traffic monitoring network to allow for instant audits. The article includes a link to a pilot project launched in the Whitefield area last month, where the new meters reduced complaints by 30%.

4. Public Awareness Campaign

The Transport Department has teamed up with the Bangalore Traffic Police to launch a “Know Your Fare” campaign. This will involve mobile vans with QR codes that passengers can scan to see the standard fare for a given route. In addition, a toll‑free number, 1800‑222‑2222, will be set up for commuters to report overcharging incidents.

5. Regular Audits

The department will conduct quarterly audits of auto rickshaw operations, focusing on high‑traffic zones such as the MG Road, Indiranagar, and Electronic City. Audit teams will also carry out random “spot checks” during peak hours to catch non‑compliant vehicles.

Industry Response: A Mixed Bag

Auto‑driver associations expressed cautious optimism. In a statement shared via a link to the Bengaluru Auto Drivers’ Union, the union said, “We appreciate the government’s focus on fairness, but we are concerned about the implementation logistics and the cost of new meters.” Conversely, consumer groups welcomed the initiative, noting that it “will bring much-needed accountability to a system that has long been under‑regulated.”

Several local media outlets, including The Hindu and Deccan Chronicle, have run follow‑up pieces analysing the potential impact on fare structures and the broader transport ecosystem. A link in the article points to a study by the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), which predicts that, once fully implemented, the crackdown could reduce overcharging incidents by up to 60% within the first year.

What Happens Next?

The order stipulates that all registered auto‑rickshaw operators must receive a copy of the new guidelines within 30 days. The Transport Department will schedule a series of workshops in all municipal zones to train drivers on meter usage and compliance. Any vehicle that fails the compliance check will be temporarily pulled from operation and must re‑certify before returning to service.

The order also calls for the establishment of a digital portal (linked in the article) where commuters can file complaints, check the status of their reports, and view real‑time fare data for popular routes. The portal will be maintained by the Karnataka Digital Mission and will be integrated with the state’s public service platform.

Bottom Line

The Karnataka Transport Minister’s crackdown on auto‑rickshaw overcharging represents a landmark shift in the state’s transport policy. By mandating calibrated meters, imposing fines, introducing e‑meter technology, and launching a public awareness campaign, the government aims to restore trust and fairness in one of Bengaluru’s most vital modes of transportation. While challenges remain – particularly in terms of logistical implementation and ensuring uniform compliance – the initiative has already received broad support from consumer advocates and is expected to bring tangible improvements to commuters’ daily journeys. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the new measures can deliver on their promise of a transparent, reliable, and consumer‑friendly auto‑rickshaw experience in Bengaluru.