Just over 41,000 of Bengaluru’s 3.45 lakh registered autorickshaws have recalibrated their meters to reflect the revised minimum fare, highlighting widespread non-compliance despite multiple deadline extensions by the transport department.

Official data shows that while the revised auto fares came into force in August 2025, meter recalibration has seen a poor response. The final window for recalibration closed on December 31, 2025, after the original deadline of October 31 was extended. Even then, barely 12% of the city’s autorickshaws updated their meters.

The dominance of app-based auto services in urban transport has further reduced reliance on physical meters. For many drivers and commuters, meter-based fares have become increasingly uncommon, contributing to the lack of urgency in recalibration.

Rudramurthy, General Secretary, Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union (ARDU), said administrative lapses were largely responsible for the low compliance. He said auto unions had submitted representations to the district administration, but the revised fare structure was announced without adequate consultation, discouraging drivers from recalibrating their meters. He added that fare models already implemented in cities such as Mangaluru, Udupi and Shivamogga could have been adopted in Bengaluru.

Rudramurthy also stressed that app-booked auto rides must operate strictly on meters, with fares calculated based on actual distance travelled. Displaying fares on mobile applications, he said, was itself an offence, as meters function on wheel rotation while app-based estimates can be manipulated. According to him, drivers have little incentive to recalibrate meters since app-based fares often show higher amounts.

He further pointed out that weak enforcement has allowed autos to operate without meters, despite provisions for imposing a Rs 5,000 fine for permit violations. Mandatory quarterly Regional Transport Authority meetings are also not being conducted. “Unless meter use is made compulsory, recalibration will not improve,” Rudramurthy, General Secretary, Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union, said.

Meanwhile, a legal metrology official said only around 10,000 meters were recalibrated before the deadline was extended, despite four recalibration centres being set up and jurisdictional limits being relaxed. The total number of recalibrated meters currently stands at 41,340.

News source: The New Indian Express