The State Transport Authority (STA) has issued a fresh reminder to autorickshaw owners and drivers across the islands to strictly adhere to fare meter regulations, following a steady rise in complaints from passengers regarding non-use of meters and overcharging. The department noted that autorickshaws operating without switching on fare meters, demanding excessive fares, or refusing rides continue to remain among the most common grievances reported by commuters.
Citing the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the STA reiterated that Section 74(2)(viii) and Section 96(xx) clearly mandate the mandatory installation and proper maintenance of fare meters in taxis and autorickshaws. The department pointed out that repeated advisories have been published in local media in the past, reminding permit holders of their obligations, yet violations have persisted, prompting the need for renewed enforcement action.
Officials stressed that autorickshaw permit holders who fail to comply with the prescribed guidelines risk facing stringent penalties, including cancellation of permits in cases of repeated violations. The department has also confirmed that enforcement drives will be intensified to identify autos operating without functioning meters, those not calibrated as per official rates, or those not displaying the mandatory fare chart.
The notification recalled that autorickshaw fares for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were revised on January 11, 2023. Following the revision, all drivers were instructed to get their meters recalibrated and stamped by the Legal Metrology wing of the Directorate of Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs. In addition, every autorickshaw was required to display the official fare chart issued by the STA prominently inside the vehicle so that passengers could easily verify the applicable charges.
The department observed that a substantial number of complaints involve drivers refusing to operate their vehicles according to passenger destinations or demanding lump-sum fares far higher than the meter-based amounts. Instances of misbehaviour and refusal to pick up passengers have also been reported, further reinforcing the need for intervention.
As part of upcoming enforcement measures, teams will be deployed to check autorickshaws for functional, calibrated, and properly stamped meters. Autos found operating without these requirements, or those found concealing or failing to display fare charts, will be subjected to penalties. Permit cancellation will be considered for habitual offenders, signalling the department’s intent to maintain transparency and fairness in public transport operations.
Alongside warnings issued to drivers, the STA has also appealed to the general public to remain vigilant and to report instances of refusal to ply, meter tampering, non-use of meters, or overcharging. Passengers have been asked to record details such as the registration number of the autorickshaw and the nature of the complaint and forward them to the Secretary, Directorate of Transport, Sri Vijaya Puram. Complaints may also be lodged through the department’s helpline numbers: 03192-240059, 240062, 230259, or the Traffic Section at 243812.
By encouraging commuter participation in monitoring violations, the Administration aims to ensure a more reliable and accountable autorickshaw service. The renewed advisory underlines the department’s commitment to passenger safety, fair pricing, and improved service standards across the transport sector.
With enforcement drives set to be rolled out, drivers have once again been urged to comply fully with meter regulations and adhere to the notified fare structure. The department emphasised that an honest and transparent transport system relies on cooperation from both operators and commuters, and assured that it will continue working towards ensuring that public mobility remains safe, efficient, and equitable.
