Kolkata Auto Fares Surge by Rs 2-7 as Operators Defy Trinamool Union Directive
Commuters across Kolkata were forced to pay significantly higher auto-rickshaw fares on Thursday as operators on numerous routes unilaterally increased prices by Rs 2 to Rs 7. This move directly defied a directive from the trade union wing of the ruling Trinamool Congress, highlighting growing tensions between drivers and political authorities.
Fuel Price Hike Triggers Fare Revision
The fare increase came just one day after the price of auto-LPG rose by Rs 5 per litre, creating immediate financial pressure on operators. Many drivers found the previous fare structure completely unviable following this fuel price adjustment, leading to a sharp reduction in the number of autos operating on several key routes.
"If there are 100 people waiting in a queue, there may be only five autos available," revealed a coordinator of an auto route in south Kolkata. "Operators were discouraged by the earlier fare because it became unviable after the fuel price hike. Hopefully, more autos will return to the roads after the fare revision."
Fuel Shortage Crisis Worsens Commuter Woes
A persistent demand-supply gap emerged as many drivers spent hours queueing up at LPG pumps to refuel their vehicles. The queues at auto-LPG stations grew substantially longer due to fuel supplies failing to keep pace with panic-driven demand.
With drivers attempting to fill their tanks completely whenever they reached a pump, storage reservoirs depleted rapidly, forcing numerous autos to travel far beyond their regular routes in search of available fuel.
Auto drivers confirmed the escalating refuelling crisis across the city. "There are long queues at pumps, whether in Rajabazar or Behala," said Satya Nath, who drives on the Maniktala–Girish Park route. "Sometimes we spend hours waiting to fill up."
Political Friction Within Auto Unions
The decision by auto operators to increase fares created significant friction within the auto operators' unions. The Indian National Trinamool Trade Union Congress (INTTUC), which represents a substantial section of auto operators, had urged drivers to wait several more days before implementing any fare revision.
"We did not want this increase. The party does not approve it," stated a member of an auto route committee affiliated with INTTUC. "But the operators felt the financial pressure and could not continue with the old fares. We hope the fares will return to earlier levels if fuel prices fall."
Commuters Face Confusion and Frustration
For daily commuters, the sudden fare increase proved both confusing and frustrating. "When I travelled from Nayabad to EM Bypass in the morning, I paid Rs 13. In the evening, the driver said they were no longer willing to follow union instructions because fuel costs increased," explained Nilanjan Ganguly, a regular auto commuter.
The fuel shortage compounded waiting times dramatically. "I had to wait more than 30 minutes for a Tollygunge–Behala Chowrasta auto around 9 pm even though I was only the sixth person in line," said Arnab Saha, a resident of Behala Blind School area. "Drivers said most autos were stuck at LPG pumps."
Long lines of commuters have now become a common sight at major auto stands throughout Kolkata, with the combination of reduced auto availability and higher fares creating a perfect storm of transportation challenges for the city's residents.
