18 Ola, Uber Cabs Impounded In Delhi After Arvind Kejriwal's Warning

New Delhi: After Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's warning to taxi apps Ola and Uber against surge-pricing during odd-even in Delhi, 18 cabs were impounded for overcharging.

The cabs were impounded on Monday for "charging more than the prescribed limit", said Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai.

Uber and Ola stopped surge pricing after Mr Kejriwal's warning against taxis trying to take advantage of the "odd-even" scheme, which bans private cars on alternate days except on Sundays, when all cars are allowed.

The government is under pressure to ensure public transport for commuters in the 15 days that the odd-even rule is in place.

Uber said in a statement that surge pricing - or higher fares - when demand rises, is standard. "Airlines and hotels are more expensive during busy times. Uber is as well," the company said in a statement, adding, "Given the threat of the Delhi government to cancel permits and impound vehicles of our driver partners, we are temporarily suspending surge in Delhi with immediate effect."

Uber later told NDTV, "We are hurt by having to pull out of surge pricing... This will impact livelihoods of several CNG car drivers."

Ola said, "We've temporarily pulled out Peak Pricing in Delhi in support of the government's odd-even initiative" which ends on April 30.

The odd-even scheme, an attempt to check air pollution, was first implemented at the start of the year for a fortnight; its second instalment began last week.

The government yesterday reiterated that for Delhi commuters, taxi fares are as follows:

Rs. 12.50 per km for Economy Radio Taxis; and Rs. 14 per km and Rs. 16 per km for non-AC & AC black-and-yellow cabs.

For Ola and Uber type Radio Taxi cabs, the fare is Rs. 23 per km. Additional night charges (25% of the fare) are applicable during 11 PM to 5 AM.