The third phase of a nationwide lockdown is about to end soon. Starting 18th May, we’ll enter the 4th phase which will include some relaxations.
At this time, several Indians stranded abroad are also being brought back to the country under the Vande Bharat Mission of the central government.
In order to facilitate the movement of people from the Delhi airport to Ghaziabad and Noida, the UP State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has decided to charge somewhere around ₹10,000 – ₹12,000.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, the minimum cost of booking a taxi of the UPSRTC will be ₹10,000 for sedans and ₹12,000 for an SUV. This charge is applicable for any distance within a radius of 250 km from the IGI airport.
As per the letter released by the corporation, each additional kilometre would cost ₹40 for a Sedan and ₹50 for an SUV. Besides the driver, only two additional passengers will be allowed in the taxi.
The state transport corporation has also made arrangements for buses for those who cannot afford taxis. A single seat in a non AC bus would cost ₹1,000 and a seat in an AC bus would cost ₹1,320 for 100 km.
Speaking to HT, regional manager of UPSRTC, explained the reason behind these services. He said:
We have received information that stranded people are sometimes fleeced by truck drivers and others promising lifts. Such commuting is also unsafe while the government initiative is safe.
Reports suggest that the fare to commute from the IGI airport to Noida was somewhere around ₹800, previously.
The exorbitantly high rates now will put undue burden on the passengers and netizens are against this decision. They want the UP government to review its decision.
While people are already troubled by the extended lockdown, the government should reconsider the fares at a time when everyone is trying to reach their homes.