1,850 autos in Navi Mumbai yet to set their e-meters right

It has been over a fortnight since the deadline to recalibrate e-meters was extended from September 27 to October 1, but it has been learnt that about 1,850 autos in Navi Mumbai are still operating without recalibrated e-meters.

It has been over a fortnight since the deadline to recalibrate e-meters was extended from September 27 to October 1, but it has been learnt that about 1,850 autos in Navi Mumbai are still operating without recalibrated e-meters.

Drivers wait in a queue at an auto stand outside Nerul railway station. Representation pic

Taking note of the complaints of passengers being overcharged by the rogue drivers, the Vashi RTO whose jurisdiction spans from Digha (near Airoli) to CBD Belapur has decided to penalise the offenders.

Deputy Regional Transport Officer Sanjay Dhaygude said, “Once Diwali is over, we’ll conduct raids to check whether autos in the region are operating with recalibrated e-meters or not.

We have received complaints from passengers that a few auto drivers are charging the revised fare, without recalibrating their meters. Such rogue drivers will be fined Rs 700 for a week, giving them time to do the needful, and Rs 50 per day till the time they recalibrate their meters.”

Besides checking the meters, RTO officials would also be checking whether a driver is carrying a copy of the permit, along with the driving licence, or not.

The case
Accepting the repeated pleas from auto-rickshaw drivers, the Bombay High Court ordered revision of fare for CNG-run autos to Rs 17 from Rs 15. Following the issuance of the directives in August, the Vashi RTO set a 45-day deadline for recalibration of e-meters from August 12. Later, the original deadline was extended from September 27 to October 1.

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