Mumbai News: MMR Auto & Taxi Meter Recalibration Lags As April 30 Deadline Nears; Unions Seek Extension

As the deadline approaches, only 42% of Auto rickshaws and 33% of taxis in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) have completed the necessary recalibration, which involves adjusting electronic meters to reflect the new fare rates. By the end of March, a total of 1,98,362 rickshaws and 15,474 taxis had completed the process. The recalibration has been carried out across 10 RTO offices in the MMR, according to officials. However, compared to the total number of registered vehicles, only a small fraction has been updated in the last month and a half.

The fare hike for rickshaws and taxis, announced by the Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Transport Authority (MMRTA), took effect on February 1. As a result, the recalibration process began for all vehicles to reflect the new fare structure. 

MMR has 4,67,000 rickshaws and 46,898 taxis, but the recalibration has been more concentrated in urban areas, with far fewer vehicles in suburban areas having their meters updated. With millions of vehicles still pending recalibration of its electronic meters and only a month remaining, several anuto taxi unions are urging the Transport Department to extend the deadline. Anil Zholkar, General Secretary of Maharashtra Navnirman Vahatuk Sena, has formally requested the extension in a letter to the department.

The final deadline for recalibrating meters is April 30. After this date, any vehicles that have not undergone the update will face a daily fine of Rs 50, up to a maximum penalty of Rs 5,000.