Electronic meters to be intalled for rickshaws in Mumbai: Prithviraj Chavan

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan today said that electronic meters will be installed in auto rickshaws in Mumbai and the neighbouring Thane in a phased manner.

"The auto unions have also given nod for this," Chavan told reporters after meeting union leaders this morning.

Auto-rickshaw drivers in the city had protested a recent drive to inspect metres, and gone on a strike, seeking fare hike.

The issue acquired political tones as MNS and Shiv Sena sided with passengers. There were some incidents of attacks on rickshaws.

Chavan today also said that decision on the implementation of 50-paise hike in auto fares in Mumbai will be taken by a committee, specifically appointed for the purpose.

Chavan, who holds the Transport portfolio too, said 48,000 permits in the state (28,000 in Mumbai), which have expired, will be revived.

He rejected the demand for fare hike every year, and said that fares would be reviewed every two years.

Chavan also made it clear that conditions for getting auto-driver permits, including 15-year domicile and minimum education upto standard eighth, had not been relaxed.