Delhi Launches Helpline to Register Complaints Against Surge Pricing

Vowing to act tough against taxi aggregators for surge pricing, the Delhi government on Monday launched a helpline for the public to register their complaints.

"If any taxi is overcharging anyone on the name of surge pricing then please call and register complaints on 011-42400400. We will take stern action," Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai tweeted on Monday.

Earlier, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal too had warned the taxi aggregators over surge pricing by labelling it day-time robbery.

He had also warned the taxi aggregators that their permits would be cancelled and the licences of drivers seized for surge pricing.

Taxi aggregator Uber on Sunday brought back surge pricing in Delhi, prompting Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to warn the operators of "strong action".

Uber had introduced the provision during odd-even scheme, which was objected to by commuters and Kejriwal had asserted that such demand-linked hikes would be banned permanently.

A day after the second phase of odd-even ended, commuters across the city, who availed the services of the app-based cab firm on Sunday, found that surge pricing, where fares are raised when demand is higher than the available cabs, was back.

When contacted, an Uber spokesperson confirmed the development saying that suspension of surge pricing was only a "temporary" measure.