Ahead of the Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026, scheduled to begin on July 3, e-auto drivers across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have strongly opposed the fare structure recently notified by the administration.
The drivers claim that the newly fixed fares do not reflect their actual earnings or the rising operational costs, including vehicle maintenance, charging expenses, and other day-to-day expenditures. According to them, the revised rates would severely impact their livelihood and make it difficult to sustain their families.
The e-auto drivers have urged the administration to reconsider the fare revision and hold discussions with their representatives before implementing the new rates. They warned that if their concerns are ignored, they will be left with no option but to launch protests along with their families.
The drivers further stated that any escalation of the agitation would be the responsibility of the administration if a timely solution is not reached. They emphasized that a mutually acceptable resolution is necessary to safeguard the interests of both drivers and passengers during the annual pilgrimage.
Gaurav Kapoor, President of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi E-Auto Union, demanded that the Transport Department immediately withdraw the newly issued fare list and release a revised rate chart after consulting the union. He warned that if the department fails to do so, e-auto drivers and their families will be compelled to launch an agitation.
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