Kashmir e-Rickshaw drivers protest ‘unacceptable’ Govt fare rates

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Ziraat Times
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By: Ambreen Khan (Ziraat Times)

Srinagar: E-rickshaw drivers across Kashmir, including in Srinagar, have protested the recently notified fare rates set by the government, calling them “unrealistic and unsustainable.” The drivers, who gathered in various parts of the Valley, demanded an immediate revision of the fares, citing rising fuel prices, maintenance costs, and financial hardships.

E rickshw drivers from prominent locations such as Lal Chowk, Batamaloo, Nowgam, Anantnag, Baramulla, and Sopore, who spoke to Ziraat Times, rejected the Transport Department’s latest fare notification. They argued that the rates fail to account for the operational challenges they face and warned of continued protests if their concerns are not addressed.

“The fares fixed by the government are too low for us to sustain our livelihoods. We have families to feed, and the cost of vehicle maintenance, electricity charging, and spare parts is increasing every day. How are we supposed to survive?” said Manzoor Ahmad, an e-rickshaw driver from Srinagar.

Another driver, Shabir Hussain, who operates in the Downtown area, highlighted that the new fare structure makes it impossible for them to break even. “Unlike auto-rickshaws that run on petrol, we depend on electricity, which has also become costly. Besides, we pay taxes and other charges. The government should consult us before fixing rates arbitrarily,” he said.

The protesting drivers also accused the authorities of failing to regulate the sector properly. Many alleged that unlicensed operators and over-regulation were making it difficult for genuine e-rickshaw owners to function smoothly.

“We are providing an affordable and eco-friendly mode of transport to the people, yet the authorities are making it difficult for us to operate. If the government does not revise the fares soon, we will be forced to stop services,” said Javid Ahmad, another protester.

Passengers, meanwhile, had mixed reactions to the protest. While many supported the demand for fair wages for e-rickshaw drivers, others expressed concerns about frequent strikes affecting daily commuting.

When contacted, an official from the Transport Department defended the fare notification, stating that the rates were decided based on public affordability and market conditions. “We are open to discussions with the drivers’ unions, and if a reasonable demand is presented, necessary revisions may be considered,” the official said.

However, the drivers warned of intensifying their protest if their demands were not met soon. They have urged the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to intervene and ensure a fair fare structure that balances both passenger affordability and driver sustainability.

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