E-Rickshaw operators in Jammu oppose new fare rates, stage protest

Jammu, Jan 24: The e-rickshaw operators Friday staged a massive protest in Jammu over the recently notified fare rates set by the government, calling them “unrealistic and unsustainable.”
The drivers, who gathered at busy Bikram Chowk, demanded an immediate revision of the fares, citing huge operational costs including electricity bills, maintenance costs, and financial hardships.
The e-rickshaw operators led by its union assembled at Bikram Chowk and tried to march towards Raj Bhawan to protest the Transport Department’s latest fare notification.
The union argued that the new rates fail to account for the operational challenges they face and warned of continued protests if their concerns are not addressed.
However, the heavy deployment of police forces in Jammu foiled the march and detained union leader Gourav Kapoor along with his supporters which led to the massive protest.
“The fares fixed by the government are too low for us to sustain our livelihoods. We have families to feed, and the cost of vehicle maintenance, electricity charging, and spare parts is increasing every day. How are we supposed to survive?” said Jaswinder, an e-rickshaw driver from Chhath-Jammu.
The protesting drivers also accused the authorities of failing to regulate the sector properly. Many alleged that unlicensed operators and over-regulation were making it difficult for genuine e-rickshaw owners to function smoothly. (KNO)