E-Rickshaw drivers appeal for fair fare revision amid soaring costs

• Government must consult stakeholders before implementing rates: Veteran Trade leader Mohammad Sadiq Baqal
• E-Rickshaw drivers struggling with maintenance and loan repayments; urgent action required to revise fare structure: Shakir Kuchay, Arzoo Company Dealer

SRINAGAR: The recent decision by the Jammu and Kashmir Transport Department Commissioner to cap e-rickshaw fares at Rs 10 per kilometer per vehicle or Rs 2.50 per kilometer per passenger has sparked widespread discontent among e-rickshaw drivers across the region.

A large number of striking drivers have pointed out that the fixed rates fail to account for the significant rise in their operational costs, including loan installments, maintenance, renewal charges, and other essential expenses. They also expressed concerns about the growing inflationary pressures severely impacting their livelihoods. Many drivers have voiced deep worries about their ability to sustain a decent income under the current rate structure, which they believe no longer meets the financial demands of their profession.

"We have unemployed youth and degree holders who, after failing to secure government jobs, have taken loans to buy e-rickshaws," said Aaqib Ahmad, an e-rickshaw driver. "We’re paying monthly loan installments with 11% interest rates, along with electricity charging charges of Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 per vehicle. These low fares only add to our financial struggles."

Veteran Trade Leader Mohammad Sadiq Baqal also expressed his concerns over the fare structure, labeling it as impractical. "The government should have consulted all stakeholders before implementing such rates. Thousands of highly qualified unemployed youth are driving these e-rickshaws to support their families. Many are drowning in debt due to the high cost of purchasing and maintaining these vehicles," Baqal said. "I appeal to the J&K Government to address and resolve this issue promptly, ensuring a fair and practical solution that takes into account the welfare of e-rickshaw drivers and the public."

Shakir Kuchay, a dealer with Arzoo Company, shed light on the pressing financial challenges faced by e-rickshaw owners and drivers. "The average monthly maintenance for these vehicles ranges from Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500, while loan installments are between Rs 5,000 and Rs 7,000. Lithium batteries need replacement every three years, and lead-acid batteries every two years, significantly increasing the burden. Despite earning between Rs 15,000 and Rs 16,000 a month, most drivers struggle to cover their basic costs, leaving them with little to sustain their families."

Drivers further emphasized the broader financial burden, citing rising prices of essential items and household expenses. "We’re just trying to survive. The government needs to take our situation into account and adjust the fares accordingly," said Mohammad Shafi, an e-rickshaw driver supporting a family of five members. "This is not just about us," said driver Mohammad Altaf. "It’s about fairness and ensuring the sustainability of a service that benefits the public and provides a livelihood for thousands."

Meanwhile, social media users and the general public have also voiced their support for the drivers. Many described the earlier fare structure as more reasonable and lamented the ongoing strikes disrupting daily passengers. In light of these financial hardships, Shakir Kuchay, along with the e-rickshaw drivers, has made an urgent appeal to the J&K government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Transport Minister Satish Sharma, Transport Commissioner, and the RTOs of Kashmir and Jammu to urgently revise the fare structure. They emphasized that the current…