Heatwave sends cab, auto fares soaring in Jaipur, govt fails to rein in surge

Jaipur: Daily commuters in the city are facing a sharp fare shock this summer, as app-based cab and autorickshaw fares nearly doubled across several routes, with the heatwave intensifying and govt regulation remaining absent.The commuters blame it on the govt, pointing out that it failed to control autorickshaw fares despite having officially notified rates.In practice, autos in Jaipur continue to run without meters, and there is no effective mechanism to enforce the govt fare chart. At the same time, app-based cab fares remain outside the transport department’s control, leaving commuters exposed to unchecked surge pricing.Businessman Kishan Lal Saini said he was stunned after arriving at Jaipur Junction on Monday morning.

“While it takes barely Rs 160 to Rs 180 to reach my Adarsh Nagar residence during the time of day, the cab fare was around Rs 280 to Rs 300 on the different apps. Auto fare was showing around Rs 200 to Rs 230,” he said.App cab operators said fares are driven automatically by real-time demand. With temperatures crossing 40°C, two-wheeler availability drops sharply between 11 am and 6 pm, even as demand for cabs and autos peaks.

“The fare spike was worsened by a reduction in Jaipur City Transport Corporation Limited bus services since April 1 and Jaipur Police’s new e-rickshaw zone segregation policy, which has restricted movement in several parts of the city. Together, these factors have tightened supply and pushed up prices,” an official stated.