After Kejriwal's warning, 18 Ola, Uber cabs impounded by Delhi govt for overcharging

New Delhi: A day after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal warned of strict action against app-based taxi operators, the Delhi government officials on Tuesday impounded at least 18 Ola and Uber cabs for overcharging.

The development was confirmed by new agency ANI.

This comes a day after CM Kejriwal had warned of 'strict action' against app-based taxis, including cancellation of permits and impounding of vehicles, for charging fares more than the rates prescribed by the government.

However, soon after the the Chief Minister's warning, Uber cab service said that they were temporarily suspending surge with immediate effect.

"Given the threat to livelihood of our partners, at the expense of reliability, we're temporarily suspending surge with immediate effect," Uber Delhi said.

"Hope to work with Delhi government to provide a reliable mobility option in the city, especially at time when citizens need us most," it added.

After Uber, Ola also temporarily suspended surge pricing in Delhi.

The warning from Kejriwal came after the government received some complaints against the app-based taxi service providers Ola and Uber of hiking the fares exorbitantly during rush hours.

The rates were allegedly also hiked today, the first full working day of the fortnight-long odd-even scheme when offices, schools and other institutions reopened after an extended weekend, as per PTI.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Gopal Rai made an appeal to the commuters to register their complaints at 011-42400400 against exorbitant fares charged by the app-based taxi service providers.

"If we receive complaints against arbitrariness of any app-based taxi service, we will impound their vehicles," Rai said.

(With Agency inputs)