The ongoing dispute over making fare meters compulsory in autorickshaws has escalated in the city, with the police making it clear that the final decision rests solely with the Regional Transport Office (RTO).
Addressing mediapersons recently, Police Commissioner Bhushan Borse stated that the enforcement of meters is a policy matter under the RTO’s jurisdiction. “The role of the police is limited to maintaining law and order and acting on complaints. The decision to make meters compulsory must come from the RTO,” he clarified.
The statement comes amid growing friction between autorickshaw drivers and commuters across Belagavi. Over the past few days, several instances of fare disputes have been reported, with passengers alleging that drivers are charging arbitrary rates in the absence of functional meters.
While it is widely understood that the RTO has decided in principle to enforce mandatory meters, implementation on the ground remains negligible. Passengers have accused the transport authorities of delaying action, alleging that the process has remained largely confined to paperwork without tangible results.
The issue has further intensified during ongoing discussions around fare revision. Autorickshaw unions in Belagavi have strongly opposed the immediate enforcement of meters, demanding a fresh fare structure that factors in rising fuel prices, maintenance costs, and increasing traffic congestion. Drivers argue that operating under the existing fare rates is economically unviable.
On the other hand, commuters have called for urgent and strict enforcement of meter-based fares to bring transparency and consistency, pointing out that unchecked pricing has become a daily inconvenience.
The lack of coordinated action between departments has added to the stalemate. While the RTO is yet to roll out full-scale implementation, the police have reiterated that they will act strictly on complaints related to overcharging once a formal mechanism is in place.
For now, the issue remains caught in administrative limbo, with both passengers and drivers awaiting a decisive move from the transport authorities.