Will hike auto, taxi fare based on Hakim panel report: Maha govt tells HC

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday informed the Bombay High Court that taxi and autorickshaw fares would be increased based on the recommendation of the now-scrapped Hakim Committee till the newly set up committee submits its report.

The Mumbai Metropolitan Road Transport Authority (<g data-gr-id="12">MMRTA</g>) had on May 11 proposed a hike in the basic fare for autos and taxis based on the recommendation of the erstwhile Hakim Committee. The minimum fare for autos is expected to go up from Rs 17 to Rs 18 while taxi fare is likely to go up from the minimum Rs 21 to Rs 22.

Government pleader Abhinandan Vagyani told a division Bench headed by Justice NH Patil that till the new panel headed by a retired HC judge does not submit its report, the government has decided to go ahead with the hike in fares based on the Hakim committee recommendation. The court has posted the matter for further hearing on Wednesday.