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Public fumes as RTA hikes service charges after 8 years

Public Outrage Erupts in Telangana as RTA Implements Steep Hike in Service Charges After Eight-Year Hiatus

Hyderabad: In a move that has sparked widespread discontent among vehicle owners and commuters across Telangana, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a significant increase in various service charges, marking the first such revision in eight years. The decision, which came into effect immediately, has been met with fierce criticism from the public, who argue that the hikes are untimely and burdensome, especially amid ongoing economic pressures from inflation and rising fuel costs. Residents from urban centers like Hyderabad to rural districts have voiced their frustrations on social media, in public forums, and through protests, labeling the move as insensitive and poorly timed.

The RTA's revision affects a wide array of services, including vehicle registration fees, fitness certificates, driving license renewals, and permit charges for commercial vehicles. According to official notifications, the fee for registering a new two-wheeler has jumped from Rs 500 to Rs 800, a 60% increase, while four-wheeler registration now costs Rs 1,200, up from Rs 800. Fitness certificate renewals for private vehicles have seen a hike from Rs 300 to Rs 500, and commercial vehicles face even steeper rises, with truck permit fees increasing by up to 70% in some categories. Duplicate license issuance, which previously cost Rs 200, now stands at Rs 350. These changes, the RTA claims, are necessary to cover escalating operational costs, including digital infrastructure upgrades, staff salaries, and maintenance of transport offices statewide.

The last revision of these charges occurred in 2017, during a period of relative economic stability in the state. Since then, Telangana has undergone significant transformations, including rapid urbanization, a boom in vehicle ownership, and the integration of advanced technologies like online booking systems and automated testing centers. RTA officials defend the hike by pointing to inflation over the past eight years, which has eroded the real value of the fees. "We have not adjusted these rates despite rising costs for fuel, electricity, and manpower," said a senior RTA official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "This revision will help us improve service delivery, reduce waiting times, and enhance road safety measures through better-equipped facilities."

However, the public narrative paints a starkly different picture. Many citizens feel blindsided by the sudden implementation, with little prior consultation or public hearings. Social media platforms have been flooded with complaints, using hashtags like #RTAHikeScam and #TelanganaTransportBurden. One viral post from a Hyderabad-based IT professional read: "Just when we're recovering from pandemic losses and high petrol prices, the government slaps us with this. How are middle-class families supposed to afford vehicle maintenance now?" Similar sentiments echo in rural areas, where farmers and small business owners rely heavily on affordable transport for their livelihoods.

Protests have already begun to materialize. In Warangal and Karimnagar districts, auto-rickshaw drivers' unions staged demonstrations outside RTA offices, demanding an immediate rollback. "We've been hit hard by the post-COVID slump, and now this hike on permits will force us to increase fares, which passengers can't afford," said Ramesh Kumar, president of the Telangana Auto Drivers' Association. In Hyderabad, a group of residents filed a petition with the state consumer forum, arguing that the hikes violate principles of transparency and fairness. Opposition parties have seized the opportunity to criticize the ruling government. Leaders from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Congress have accused the administration of anti-people policies. "This is nothing but a revenue-grabbing tactic disguised as administrative necessity," remarked a Congress spokesperson during a press conference. "The government should focus on subsidizing essential services instead of burdening the common man."

To understand the broader implications, it's essential to delve into the economic context. Telangana's vehicle population has surged dramatically over the last decade, with over 1.5 crore registered vehicles as of 2024, according to state transport data. This growth has strained RTA resources, leading to long queues at offices and delays in processing applications. The hike is projected to generate an additional Rs 500 crore annually for the state exchequer, funds that officials say will be reinvested in modernizing the transport sector. Initiatives include expanding online services to minimize physical visits, introducing biometric verification for licenses to curb fraud, and upgrading vehicle testing equipment to meet national emission standards.

Experts in urban planning and economics offer mixed views on the decision. Dr. Anita Rao, a transport economist at Osmania University, supports the hike in principle but criticizes its execution. "After eight years, an adjustment was overdue, but the percentage increases are too steep for a single revision. A phased approach, perhaps over two years, would have softened the blow," she explained in an interview. On the other hand, consumer rights activist Vijay Gopal argues that the RTA should prioritize efficiency over fee hikes. "Many services are still riddled with corruption and delays. Why should citizens pay more for subpar service?" he questioned, highlighting cases where applicants pay bribes to expedite processes.

The impact on different demographics is particularly telling. For low-income families, the increased costs could mean delaying vehicle purchases or renewals, potentially leading to legal issues like fines for expired documents. Small-scale entrepreneurs, such as delivery service providers and cab operators, face squeezed profit margins. "My monthly earnings are already down due to competition from apps like Uber. Now, with higher permit fees, I might have to shut down," lamented Suresh, a cab driver in Secunderabad. Women, who form a growing segment of vehicle owners in Telangana, have also raised concerns about affordability, especially for two-wheelers used for daily commutes.

Government response has been measured but firm. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar addressed the media, assuring that the hikes were calibrated based on a committee's recommendations and benchmarked against neighboring states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, where similar fees are higher. "We understand the public's concerns, but these changes are for the long-term benefit of all road users. We're open to feedback and will consider exemptions for certain vulnerable groups," he stated. The minister also announced a helpline for grievances and promised to monitor the implementation closely to prevent any malpractices.

Historically, such fee revisions in India have often led to public backlash, as seen in Delhi's 2022 transport fee hike, which prompted widespread strikes. In Telangana, the 2017 revision was relatively smooth due to economic buoyancy, but the current scenario is complicated by post-pandemic recovery challenges. The state's economy, driven by IT, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture, has shown resilience, but income disparities remain wide. Urban middle-class households, in particular, feel the pinch as living costs rise.

Looking ahead, the controversy could influence upcoming local elections, with transport affordability becoming a key issue. Advocacy groups are pushing for a review petition in the high court, citing procedural lapses in the notification process. Meanwhile, the RTA has urged citizens to utilize digital platforms for services, which could offer some relief through convenience, if not cost savings.

In essence, the RTA's decision underscores the delicate balance between fiscal responsibility and public welfare. While the hikes aim to modernize an overburdened system, they risk alienating the very populace they serve. As debates rage on, one thing is clear: without transparent dialogue and equitable measures, such policies could fuel further discontent in a state already navigating complex socio-economic terrains. The coming weeks will reveal whether the government opts for concessions or stands its ground amid the growing chorus of public fumes. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full The New Indian Express Article at:
[ https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2025/Jul/29/public-fumes-as-rta-hikes-service-charges-after-8-years ]