India is currently on a mission to bring back Indians stranded in abroad in its ‘Vande Bharat’ mission. According to a report by The Indian Express, between May 16 and May 22, the government is planning to send 149 repatriation flights to 31 countries.
As stranded Indians prepare to return to their country, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has decided to charge Rs 10,000 for a taxi ride from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, to Noida, Ghaziabad, and any destination within a 250km radius, reports Hindustan Times.
A minimum of Rs 10,000 will be charged for booking sedans and Rs 12,000 for an SUV. Distances beyond 250 km will incur additional charges. However, only 2 people can travel in the taxi with the driver.
Additional charges would be Rs 40 for sedans and Rs 50 for SUVs for each kilometre.
For those wanting cheaper options, buses are also available. For those opting for an AC bus, Rs 1,320 will be charged for 100 km, while for non-AC buses the fare is Rs 1,000, reports Economic Times.
People on the internet are shocked by the exorbitant rates and are asking the government to reevaluate their decision.
This is getting way too over. A mere 40 km ride for 10,000 rupees. It roughly makes it rs 250 per km. Do remember, these will be the standard Indians evacuated under the #VandeBharatMission. https://t.co/KUxx8iDPz0
— A عاكف (@khaans) May 14, 2020
And they would give sermons to Uber/Ola on surge pricing.
This is the government exploiting it's own in the hour of crisis. #UPSRTC #economy https://t.co/oKmxRmeY0E
— Akhil (@akhillive) May 14, 2020
More than airfare ?? 🤔
— RK Vij, IPS (@ipsvijrk) May 14, 2020
@CMOfficeUP UPSRTC has decided to charge Rs1000 for non-AC bus for 1person and 10000 for a taxi from Delhi aiiport or rly stn to Noida. This is sheer dacoity and illogical. Pls review the decision. Govt earning out of distress?
— Kaustuv Roy (@KaustuvRoy4) May 14, 2020
Fares of taxis should not be allowed to escalate so much.. everyone has suffered during this time.. a lot of people are getting reduced salaries..the aim of the any govt is not only to help business to pick up but other people too ..
— Nandita Sen (@nandita_sen) May 14, 2020
In such critical times, when a large group of people are suffering from unemployment and pay cuts even in abroad, don’t you think that the government should back for cheaper transportation rates? Tell us!
Cover Image: Left.