Sambalpur: No Control Over Auto Drivers; Setting Their Own Fares, Increasing Dissatisfaction

Sambalpur: Rules are not being followed, and no one is listening to customers. Passengers have to pay whatever amount the drivers demand. The unjustified fare hikes by auto drivers in Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) areas are causing growing discontent. While some auto drivers are taking the standard fare, many are charging as they please. The situation is worse at the railway stations. People from both within and outside Odisha come to Sambalpur by train and bus. After arriving in Sambalpur, some auto drivers target these passengers and charge high fares. The fares are unreasonably high, and even shared autos are charging arbitrary rates, which has become a serious problem.

For instance, the fare from the station to Lakhmi Talkies is set at ₹40. If you go to Ashoka Talkies or Dhanupali, this fare can go up to ₹50 to ₹60. While some auto drivers are taking the correct fare, there are frequent complaints against many drivers who charge inflated rates. It’s better not to talk about the night fares. At night, fares are arbitrarily increased. Due to the lack of alternative transport, people are forced to pay the higher fares.

Currently, the “Mo Bus” service has started operating in Sambalpur during the day. However, these buses do not cover more than half of the city’s areas. Some auto drivers are taking advantage of this situation. Since the “Mo Bus” service does not operate at night, autos are the only option for passengers at the railway stations. This advantage is being exploited by some drivers, leading to increased public dissatisfaction. There is a growing demand for steps to be taken considering these issues.