In a firm directive aimed at ensuring fare transparency and commuter protection, the DC Belagavi, Mohammad Roshan has ordered that all auto-rickshaw meters within city limits be calibrated within the next 60 days. The instruction was issued during a review meeting, a video of which has now surfaced.
During the discussion, officials stated that Belagavi has around 10,000 to 11,000 registered auto-rickshaws. Seven empanelled agencies have been authorised to carry out meter calibration. The DC Roshan questioned the pace of the process and sought clear timelines, asking whether it would take as long as eight months to complete. Officials responded that calibration could be carried out at the rate of about 3,000 autos per month.
It was also pointed out that not all autos are active at any given time and that only around 5,000 vehicles are currently operational. In view of this, the DC stressed that the entire exercise should be completed within one and a half to two months and made it clear that there would be no further extensions.
The DC announced a strict 60-day deadline and instructed that every auto with a calibrated meter must carry an authorised sticker issued through the empanelled agencies, clearly indicating that the meter has been checked and approved. Only autos with calibrated meters will be permitted to operate using meter-based fares.
It was further stated that a notification on revised meter fares will be published in newspapers from Wednesday morning. Once published, auto drivers must strictly charge fares as per the notified rates.
The Regional Transport Office (RTO), and the Legal Metrology (Weights and Measures) Department have been directed to coordinate closely with all auto unions and associations to ensure smooth implementation of the calibration process through the seven authorised agencies.
Expressing dissatisfaction over repeated delays, the DC remarked that sufficient time—nearly a year—had already been given since earlier reviews, and that the deadline had now expired. “Time’s up,” he said, warning that excuses and complaints would no longer be entertained.
The administration expects that by the next review meeting, all autos operating within city limits will be running strictly on calibrated meters, with a visible sticker system in place to identify compliant vehicles.