MUMBAI : Action has been taken against 147 operators, including 36 found guilty of overcharging passengers.
The move comes after widespread outrage over surging fares as torrential rains submerged parts of Mumbai and its suburbs over the past week. With flooded tracks halting suburban train services and traffic crippled, many commuters turned to app-based cabs, only to find fares tripling or quadrupling. In some cases, rides that normally cost ₹200 were reportedly billed at ₹600–₹800.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik directed the Motor Transport Department to take strict action against cab aggregators, accusing them of exploiting a natural calamity to profiteer. He also raised the issue with Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti and suggested that the cyber cell investigate operators imposing illegal charges.
Over the last two days, joint enforcement drives by the transport department and Mumbai Police targeted 147 app-based cab services. Of these, 36 were booked for overcharging during the crisis. Officials said further monitoring will continue to prevent repeat violations.