Kolkata Auto Fare Hikes Rolled Back Amid Fuel Price Surge and Election Pressure

Key Highlights

• Kolkata auto fares rolled back after recent hikes due to union and commuter pressure.
• Fuel costs rose sharply, with auto LPG prices up by ₹25 per litre in one month.
• Fare increases of ₹2 to ₹7 were reversed on major routes, including Behala-Rasbehari and Tollygunge Phari-Behala.
• Drivers are allowed to carry five passengers temporarily to offset losses from the fare rollback.
• The informal fare system and upcoming elections add complexity to fare decisions.

Fare Rollbacks Across Major Routes

On the Behala-Rasbehari route, fares had risen to ₹32 but were brought back to ₹25 on Sunday. The Tollygunge Phari-Behala route also saw fares drop from ₹25 to ₹20. Commuters on the Chingrighata-Sector V route experienced a return to ₹15 after a ₹3 increase. Other routes, including Garia-Baruipur and Sonarpur-Garia, also reverted to their previous fare structures. On the Ultadanga-Sector V route, a ₹5 hike was reversed, bringing the fare back to ₹35.

Auto drivers explained that the initial fare hikes were necessary due to the steep rise in fuel prices. However, mounting political and union pressure forced them to roll back the increases. One driver on the Behala-Gariahat route stated, "With the increase in LPG prices, it was becoming impossible to absorb the costs. We were forced to increase fares, but there is immense pressure from the union to revert to the old rates. Party leaders have told us the issue will be discussed after the elections."

Temporary Measures and Commuter Impact

To offset losses from the fare rollback, some drivers have been allowed to temporarily carry five passengers instead of four. This arrangement, agreed upon by union leaders and local police, is expected to last until fares are officially revised. A driver on the Tollygunge Phari-Taratala route confirmed this temporary measure.

For commuters, the fare rollback has provided immediate relief, especially for those who rely on autos for daily office travel. Anindita Dhar, a regular commuter on the Chingrighata-Sector V route, said the rollback helps now but worries about the long-term impact on drivers if fuel prices remain high.

Informal Fare System and Political Context

Transport experts note that Kolkata's auto fares operate within an informal system. Fares are often negotiated route-wise and heavily influenced by unions, rather than set by a transparent, citywide pricing mechanism. This leads to periodic disputes between drivers and commuters, especially during times of fuel price volatility.

With state elections approaching, the issue of auto fares has gained political importance. Any fare increase risks public backlash, while keeping fares low puts financial pressure on drivers. Authorities face a difficult balance between keeping transport affordable and ensuring drivers can sustain their livelihoods.