Government warning will be ignored; rate hike to happen from tomorrow; crisis to affect entire city

CHENNAI: The autorickshaw drivers' union in Chennai has announced that it will increase the fare from February 1. The unions have decided to defy the government's warning. If the revised fare comes into effect, the city's residents will face a big crisis. The unions have decided to charge Rs 50 for a journey up to 1.8 km and Rs 18 for each subsequent kilometre. It has also been decided to increase this fare by 50 percent during the night.

The government has currently fixed the rate at Rs 25. Government sources say that permission has not been given to charge the revised fare. Action will be taken against those who charge the new fare and violate the government rules. The government has announced that autorickshaws will be seized. The transport department has informed that autorickshaw fares cannot be increased without government permission.

Meanwhile, city residents say that autorickshaw drivers in Chennai are already charging according to their wish. Instead of charging Rs 25, they are already charging Rs 40. City residents say that although meters are installed in all autorickshaws, no one uses it. Meanwhile, Ola and Uber drivers have announced a strike from tomorrow, demanding that the companies stop charging additional commissions.