Belagavi’s Never-Ending Tale of the “Meter Maestros”

Once upon a time in the bustling city of Belagavi, a magical device called the “auto meter” was said to exist. This mystical artifact was said to have the power to end the reign of the “Auto Rickshaw Royals”—a bold band of drivers who roamed the 7-kilometer expanse of the city, dictating fares with all the finesse of a magician pulling rabbits from hats. “The farther you gaze, the higher we raise!” became the unofficial slogan of these Auto Maestros, as they conjured fares that left riders’ wallets trembling.

In the latest chapter of this saga, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan, entered the fray. He rallied the District Road Safety Committee and the RTO, promising that, starting October 2024, all autos would indeed use fare meters. “At last!” cried the townsfolk. But after years of broken promises, a shadow of doubt lingered. After all, Belagavi was no stranger to bold announcements followed by spectacularly timid follow-ups.

The challenge, however, was epic. Belagavi’s auto population now numbered over 10,274, an ever-growing legion with new recruits joining daily. In fact, the RTO issued permits to 10 new autos every single day, yet mysteriously, only 7,893 vehicles had official permits. The rest? Free-wheeling, rule-bending, and charging fares as flexible as a gymnast in a yoga class.

Belagavi’s battle with the Auto Maestros began long before 2024. Back in 2022, DC Nitesh Patil had made a similar decree. But despite his valiant attempts, auto meters remained merely decorative, like car bobbleheads nodding along, yet contributing nothing to the actual fare. Meanwhile, Bengaluru was running on organized fares(somewhat), with their autos charging ₹30 for two kilometers, while Belagavi residents were left to haggle like contestants on a reality show.

Then came the Great Prepaid Attempt of 2019, where a prepaid auto service launched at Belagavi Railway Station was supposed to bring fare transparency. However, it quickly turned into an episode of “Who’s Watching the Watchmen?” as tales of inflated prepaid fares began to surface. Even the legendary efforts of DC Dr. S B Bommanhalli in 2019 couldn’t sway the Auto Maestros, who firmly declared their meters were on “permanent vacation.” In 2016, the arrival of Ola autos in Belagavi set the stage for a grand standoff as local drivers, wielding their decades-old fare traditions, refused to let technology “interfere” with their ancient fare rituals.

Rumor has it, a fierce showdown took place at the Central Bus Stand, where local drivers gave the Olas a taste of Belagavi’s “auto pride.” And in 2015, DC N Jayram had tried to bring order with yet another prepaid service, but the auto drivers merely shrugged and continued their fare escapades undeterred.

Today, as DC Mohammad Roshan rallies once more for the “Meter Revolution,” Belagavi’s 10,274 auto-rickshaw drivers stand ready. Will this year be the one to break the ancient cycle? Will the citizens of Belagavi finally see a fair, metered future—or is this just another chapter in the ongoing epic of Belagavi’s auto tales? Only time will tell, but for now, commuters clutch their wallets, bracing for the next ride on the Meter-less Express.