Passengers using prepaid autorickshaw services at Pune airport will now have to pay more, as fares on all routes have been increased by Rs 20. The revision was implemented by LV Antaral Autorickshaw Sanghatna, which operates the service through around 100 driver-partners.
Union Cites Rising Costs and Business Decline
Prakash Rajguru, president of the union, stated that continuous increases in CNG and LPG prices have severely impacted earnings, making the hike unavoidable. He also highlighted that illegal autorickshaws operating outside AeroMall are intercepting passengers before they reach the prepaid counter, further reducing business. Despite repeated complaints to airport authorities, AeroMall management, and traffic police, no action has been taken against these illegal operators.
Demand for Parking Inside Terminal
Rajguru mentioned that the union has been demanding permission for at least three autorickshaws to park inside the terminal building so that arriving passengers can easily spot the service. Pune MP and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol had assured support, but no action has been taken yet.
Revised Fare Details
- Pune airport to Mohammadwadi: Rs 535 to Rs 555
- Pune airport to Hinjewadi Phase III: Rs 715 to Rs 735
- Pune airport to Shirur and Lonavala: Rs 1,600 to Rs 1,620
- Pune airport to Baner: Rs 485 to Rs 505
- Pune airport to Nigdi: Rs 585 to Rs 605
- Pune airport to Shivajinagar: Rs 315 to Rs 335
Passenger Concerns
Frequent flyer Arvind Dharwe expressed dissatisfaction, stating that any increase in transport costs adds to passengers' burden. He noted that airport cab operators often overcharge despite assurances, and autorickshaws remain a practical option for those with limited luggage. Meanwhile, Keshav Kshirsagar, president of the Indian Gig Workers Front, alleged that app-based cab aggregators have stopped following government-approved fare structures. He warned that if aggregators fail to comply within 15 days, action including suspension of their apps in Pune could be considered.
