Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 19 November 2025
The State Transport Authority (STA) has once again cautioned autorickshaw drivers after receiving a growing number of complaints from the public about autos plying without switching on their fare meters, despite repeated instructions issued earlier.
Under Section 74(2)(viii) and Section 96(xx) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, all autorickshaws must be fitted with a fare meter and maintain it in proper working condition. The STA noted that although meters are installed, many drivers continue to operate trips without using them, leading to violations of permit conditions. Drivers have been warned that repeated non-compliance may result in cancellation of their permits, and enforcement drives will be intensified across the city.
Autorickshaw fares in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands were last revised on January 11, 2023. Following the revision, permit holders were instructed to get their meters calibrated and stamped by Legal Metrology under the Directorate of Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs. They were also directed to display the official fare chart issued by the STA inside their vehicles.
The Authority has stressed that fares must be charged strictly as per the fare meter. Refusal to switch on the meter before commencing a trip, refusal to ply as requested by passengers, and misbehaviour will be viewed seriously. During enforcement checks, action will also be taken against drivers operating with faulty, uncalibrated or unstamped meters, or those not displaying the mandatory fare chart.
The public has been urged to report violations such as refusal to put on the fare meter, refusal to ply, or excessive charging. Complaints may be sent to the Secretary, Directorate of Transport, Sri Vijaya Puram, along with the autorickshaw’s registration number and details of the incident. Complaints may also be lodged via helpline numbers 03192-240059, 240062, 230259 or with the Traffic Section at 243812.
