DC Belagavi Mohammad Roshan said that auto-rickshaw meters will be mandatory across Belagavi city within the next three months. The move aims to discipline the city’s auto traffic system and ensure fair travel costs for passengers. He said the same during a Meet-the-Press session organised by the Belagavi Media Association in the Department of Information.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, DC Roshan said, “The process of implementing meters has already begun. I have personally conducted a meeting regarding this, and the RTO has held three more. We’ve also engaged in discussions with auto driver associations, who have agreed to cooperate with the initiative.”
Auto drivers have raised three specific demands, which the administration is currently reviewing. “We are examining these demands carefully, and appropriate action will be taken soon. Our goal is to provide affordable and fair travel experiences for the public,” he added.
Currently, around 15,000 rickshaws operate legally in Belagavi city. DC Roshan made it clear that, in light of the growing number of rickshaws, no new permits will be issued for the time being.
Rickshaw meters must be purchased only from approved distributors, and proper arrangements for meter servicing will also be put in place. “The entire implementation process will take about three months, and we’re ensuring it’s done in a way that doesn’t inconvenience drivers or passengers,” the DC assured.
Auto driver associations have expressed full support for the initiative. Furthermore, DC Roshan clarified that there is no immediate need for app-based taxi services like Ola, Uber, or Rapido in the district, which is likely to come as a relief to local rickshaw drivers.