Acknowledging autorikshaw drivers' role in his poll victory, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announce... Read More

NEW DELHI: Acknowledging auto drivers' role in his poll victory, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced a slew of sops like annual fare revision, over 400 new halt-and-go stands and relaxation in rules, including permission to refuse customers while returning home.

On April 1 every year, government will revise auto fares, Kejriwal said addressing a meeting of thousands of auto drivers at Burari in Outer Delhi.

"This is our first meeting after winning the election. It is because of the autorickshaw drivers we got a heavy mandate in assembly election. Their contribution to our victory is more than 50 per cent," he said.

READ ALSO: Kejriwal to auto drivers: 'You have responsibility to serve people'

Kejriwal said a committee has been formed which will decide on the formula for fare revision. "Based on that formula, each year on April 1 we will increase the fare. This formula will also be discussed with autorickshaw drivers," he said.

At the same time, the Delhi CM asked the auto drivers to improve their service and raised the issues of auto drivers turning away passengers and misbehaving, two of the most frequent complaints.

He also said that auto-complaint helpline number 011-42400400 will be revived to address the issue of overcharging and refusal. Strict action will be taken in case of violations.

READ ALSO: E-rickshaw drivers gherao CM over 'harassment' (File)

"In three months, we have delivered on more than half the promises made to the auto drivers. Biggest problem for auto driver is rule of 66/192 A. Traffic police seize autos if the driver is not in proper dress and other minor violations.

"We have taken the power to book under section 66/192 A from police and given it to transport department. Now police cannot book you for minor offences. Now police can take action only for driving without permit, fitness certificate, driving license and for driving under influence of alcohol," Kejriwal said.

He also said drivers can refuse a passenger if they put up a display board showing the name of the place where he is heading while returning home.

"If you are going home in the evening, put up a placard with your route on it and you will not be challaned for refusing commuters," Kejriwal told the autorickshaw drivers.