Patna: Commercial transport associations in Patna have proposed increasing fares for auto-rickshaws, buses and goods carriers after the latest hike in petrol and diesel prices.
The proposal was discussed at a joint meeting of the All India Road Transport Workers Federation and the Bihar State Motor Transport Federation held at Surya Complex on Jamal Road.
According to officials present at the meeting, there was broad agreement on increasing transport fares by 15% to 25%. Representatives of the vehicle associations are expected to submit a memorandum to the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) and the state government.
Auto, bus and freight charges likely to rise
The meeting discussed increasing auto-rickshaw fares by 20% to 25%. A proposal was also made to raise fares for long-distance buses operating from Patna by 15%.
Freight charges for goods carriers could increase by around 20% if the proposal is approved.
Federation general secretary Rajkumar Jha said repeated increases in fuel prices had significantly raised operating expenses for transport operators.
He added that if the government failed to take a decision, transport organisations could move ahead with the fare hike independently.
Government yet to take final decision
The transport department said the final decision on any fare revision would be taken by the government.
Meanwhile, the Patna district administration warned transport operators against arbitrarily increasing fares without official approval. The district magistrate said action could be taken against violators.
Fuel prices revised again
Petrol and diesel prices were increased again across the country on Monday, marking the fourth revision in recent weeks.
Petrol prices rose by RS. 2.61 per litre, while diesel became costlier by Rs. 2.71 per litre.
The increase has triggered concerns among vehicle owners, farmers and traders over rising transportation and logistics costs, with market observers expecting a possible impact on food prices and other essential goods.
