Passengers travelling from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport’s Terminal 2 to nearby Mumbai suburbs are reporting autorickshaw refusals and demands for fares above the meter rate, according to a report published by Loksatta on September 8, 2026.
The complaints concern passengers heading to areas including Andheri, Vile Parle and Khar. Although these destinations are served through the authorised autorickshaw queue at Terminal 2, drivers allegedly refuse short-distance trips or quote fares that do not follow the meter. The report also says passengers travelling towards Borivali have been asked to pay between Rs 350 and Rs 500.
One passenger who travelled from Terminal 2 to Andheri railway station last week told Loksatta that an autorickshaw driver demanded Rs 150 for the journey. When the passenger offered to pay according to the meter, the driver reportedly said that the meter was not working. The same passenger had earlier paid Rs 93 while travelling from Andheri East to Terminal 2.
When questioned about the additional demand, a driver from Chembur reportedly claimed that autorickshaw drivers had to pay an extra Rs 50 at the airport, and that this was the reason for charging passengers more. The report said there was no evidence supporting the claim of an official additional airport charge.
The complaints have emerged amid broader concerns about fare manipulation, refusal of service and the use of unauthorised app-based transport services around the airport. The report also refers to allegations of tampered meters and passengers being misled through fake taxi and autorickshaw applications.
Mumbai airport handles around 1,000 flights a day and between 150,000 and 175,000 passengers, according to the report. Passengers travelling during late-night, early-morning and daytime hours have reported facing demands for higher fares. Many, however, post their experiences on social media instead of filing formal complaints, making it difficult for the police to investigate individual cases.
Authorities have asked passengers facing problems with autorickshaw drivers to use the toll-free number 1800220110. The number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and complaints can lead to action against drivers, including the issuance of notices, the report said. Police also conduct routine action against unlicensed or illegal drivers.
Passengers have been advised to file formal complaints at a police station so that cases involving refusal of service, overcharging, unauthorised vehicles or meter-related violations can be investigated. The complaint mechanism remains the stated next step for action against drivers operating outside the prescribed fare and licensing rules.
