Cab drivers charge exorbitant fares for Jmu travel, allege passengers

Srinagar, Feb 21: The Jammu bound passengers on Thursday alleged that they are being charged exorbitant fares by the cab drivers.

They said that cab drivers are charging the fares at random thus violating the rate list, prescribed by the state’s transport department.

“I have to go to Jammu in connection with the treatment of my daughter. I often board cab while traveling to Jammu. Today, I am being asked to pay

Rs 2200 while earlier I used to pay Rs 700-1000,”said a passenger, Parvaiz Ahmad at TRC.
Ahmad while seeking the intervention of the authorities said that amid huge fares, poor people are finding it difficult to travel to Jammu.

“You yourself are aware of the situation that has resulted because of the Pulwama attack. Many non-locals are leaving valley, alongwith Kashmiris, who are travelling to meet their children studying in different educational institutions in different part of India,” he said.

Another passenger, Bashir Ahmad asked the government to keep check on the fares.

“They are taking the undue advantage of the Jammu crisis. They are fleecing the passengers. ,”he said.

“The government should act tough against them, Governor Satya Pal Malik should himself look into the issue, instruct the concerned department to address the issue at an earliest,” he added

However, a driver who wished not to be named justified the exorbitant fares.

“Anything can happen while traveling to Jammu. You are well aware of the situation, one cannot rule out the mishap. Who will pay for the repairs, if the vehicle comes under stone pelting, a single rear mirror costs Rs 2200 to Rs 2500,”he said.