Jamshedpur: The recent surge in fuel prices has compelled autorickshaw operators in the city to increase fares by Rs 5, effective from Friday. This decision follows a similar fare hike by inter-district and long-distance bus operators announced a few days earlier.
Auto Fare Revision Details
The Sikhshit Berojgar Tempo Chalak Sanchalak Sangh (SBTCSS), the representative body for auto drivers and vehicle owners, has implemented revised fares for share auto travel across Jamshedpur. According to Shyam Kinkar Jha, an SBTCSS functionary, the increase was necessitated by the rising costs of petrol, diesel, and compressed natural gas (CNG). He noted that the last fare revision occurred in 2019, and the current adjustment is solely attributed to higher fuel expenses.
Currently, share auto fares range from Rs 10 to Rs 30, depending on the distance traveled. For instance, a journey covering 5 to 7 kilometers costs Rs 10, while a trip spanning 18 to 20 kilometers is priced at Rs 30.
Bus Fare Hikes Also Announced
Earlier, the Jamshedpur Bus Owners Welfare Association (JBOWA) declared a 15% increase in bus fares. The revised bus fares are expected to take effect within a week after the onset of the monsoon season. JBOWA convener Upendra Singh explained that the delay in implementation was due to the summer season and the 'adhik maas' (extra lunar month), during which no auspicious ceremonies like marriages are performed. This period is considered an off-season by operators, hence the fare revision was postponed.
Inter-district bus fares have already risen by 15% to 20% since the first week of June. Operators have indicated that further decisions will depend on the central government's actions regarding fuel prices in the coming days.
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About the Author: B Sridhar, based in Jamshedpur, covers the entire Kolhan region, including East Singhbhum, West Singhbhum, and Seraikela-Kharsawan districts. He reports on topics such as left-wing extremism, city life, urban policies, and other wide-ranging issues.
