Patna: The Patna district administration on Saturday issued a stern warning against arbitrary fare hikes by autorickshaws, e-rickshaws and city service buses, stating that no increase in passenger fares would be allowed without prior approval from the divisional-level Fare Determination Committee.The clarification came after reports emerged of several operators independently increasing fares following the recent rise in fuel and charging costs, causing confusion and inconvenience for daily commuters across the city.Explaining the reasons behind the sudden fare hike, an e-rickshaw driver said, “We did not have any option but to suddenly hike the fares as the garage where I charge my vehicle is now taking Rs 130 instead of Rs 100 for charging. The customers get angry for increasing fares by even Rs 5, but we are helpless.”A CNG auto driver near Patna Junction echoed similar concerns. “The customers refuse to cooperate with us when we ask for more, but the price of CNG has also increased, so the fare hike was needed,” he said.However, commuters complained that the unofficial fare increases had made travel increasingly expensive and irregular, with rates varying from one vehicle to another on the same route.A daily commuter travelling between Boring Road Crossing and Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir said, “Earlier the local fare was Rs 5, but since the last few days the fare has increased to Rs 7 and the drivers refuse to accept anything less.”Another commuter travelling from Boring Road to Dakbungalow for tuition classes said drivers who earlier charged Rs 20 were now demanding Rs 25. “This has not been regularised, as not all drivers have increased prices, some still charge the same, but most ask for the hiked price,” the commuter said.Amid growing complaints, the administration reiterated that fare revisions can only be implemented after approval from the competent authority. Officials warned that strict legal action would be taken against operators found violating the prescribed fare regulations.
