In a decisive step to enhance commuter safety and regulate fare practices, Ahmedabad police have launched an ambitious initiative to install QR codes on the city’s auto-rickshaws. The project aims to standardise fare collection and provide an added layer of security for passengers, particularly women travelling at night. With an estimated 2.5 lakh auto-rickshaws weaving through the city streets daily, autos have long been a crucial yet often unregulated mode of transport. Many drivers bypass fare meters, leaving passengers vulnerable to arbitrary pricing. The QR code system, as part of the Nirbhaya Initiative, intends to reform these practices by offering commuters instant access to driver details, including background information, with just a scan.
The system’s functionality centres on safety and transparency, as explained by the in-charge City Police Chief (Additional DGP – Special Branch), who emphasised that the QR codes will empower passengers by providing crucial information at their fingertips. This approach also eliminates unauthorised and unmetered operations, which have been longstanding issues in Ahmedabad’s public transport ecosystem. With autos serving as a vital lifeline for daily commuting, especially for economically vulnerable groups, the police are hopeful this system will bring needed reform and reduce fare exploitation across the city.
Despite its intended benefits, the initiative has met significant resistance from the city’s auto-rickshaw driver associations, who argue the project poses privacy concerns and disproportionately targets their sector. The Jagrut Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union expressed concern about private firms managing sensitive data like Aadhaar numbers and driver details, which have been requisitioned for QR code registration. Representing their views, the union has approached the Gujarat High Court, arguing that the police’s selective targeting of auto drivers, while exempting two-wheeler commercial vehicles operating via online booking platforms, is unfair. Such grievances underscore the tensions between regulatory efforts and the perceived targeting of informal transport operators in Ahmedabad.
Nevertheless, Ahmedabad police remain resolute in implementing the QR code system, with plans to expand the project to 50,000 auto-rickshaws in its initial phase. This effort underscores a broader goal of modernising the city’s urban transport and offering safer options to residents, especially women who rely on these services for their daily commutes. “We will present our case in court and continue with QR code installations,” stated ADGP Choudhary, affirming the police’s determination to address fare irregularities and unauthorised operations. As this project unfolds, it also reflects a growing commitment within urban transport systems to protect passenger rights and align with broader safety and transparency initiatives across Indian cities.
Furthermore, this initiative reflects a shift toward sustainable urban practices by prioritising public transport improvements over private vehicle dependency. By ensuring fare consistency and safety, the QR code system may encourage more people to opt for public transport, reducing traffic congestion and urban pollution. Ahmedabad’s approach could set a new standard in balancing commuter convenience with regulatory measures, addressing civic issues while promoting a safer and more sustainable city for all.
