Passengers using Mumbai airport’s Terminal 2 are reporting refusals for short-distance trips and demands for fares above the meter, with authorities urging them to lodge complaints through a 24/7 toll-free helpline.
Mumbai | September 8, 2026
Passengers travelling from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport’s Terminal 2 to nearby areas such as Andheri, Vile Parle and Khar are facing alleged overcharging and refusal of service by autorickshaw drivers, according to a report by Loksatta – Mumbai. The complaints reportedly involve passengers being denied trips even after waiting in the authorised autorickshaw queue and being asked to pay fares that are not calculated by the meter.
The report said some drivers have demanded between Rs 350 and Rs 500 for trips to Borivali. It also cited complaints from passengers travelling during the day as well as late at night and in the early morning, when transport options can be more limited.
One passenger cited in the report said they took an autorickshaw from the authorised queue at Terminal 2 to Andheri railway station during the previous week. After being told the destination, the driver reportedly quoted a fare of Rs 150. When the passenger said they were willing to pay according to the meter, the driver allegedly replied that the meter was not working.
The same passenger had earlier paid Rs 93 for a journey from Andheri East station to Terminal 2, according to the report. When the fare difference was questioned, a driver from Chembur allegedly claimed that autorickshaw drivers had to pay an additional Rs 50 at the airport and therefore charged passengers more. The report said it found no evidence supporting the claim of an official additional fee.
Loksatta reported that the airport handles approximately 1,000 flights a day and between 150,000 and 175,000 passenger movements. The scale of traffic makes the availability of reliable, regulated ground transport particularly important for passengers arriving at or departing from the airport.
The report also referred to complaints involving alleged meter tampering, excessive fares and passengers being misled through unauthorised taxi and autorickshaw applications. Many passengers, however, reportedly post about 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 call the toll-free number 1800220110. The helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and complaints can lead to action against drivers, including the issuing of notices, according to the report. Police also conduct routine action against unlicensed or illegal drivers.
Passengers have been advised to record the details of the journey and lodge a formal complaint at a police station so that the alleged overcharging, refusal of service or other violations can be investigated. The authorities’ next step will depend on the complaints formally submitted through the helpline and police channels.
