Kullu Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Akanksha Sharma has announced that strict action will be taken against auto-rickshaw drivers who are found charging arbitrary fares from commuters. The decision was taken during a meeting held on Tuesday with the representatives of auto-rickshaw unions operating in Kullu, Manali and Bhuntar. The meeting was convened following numerous complaints from residents and tourists, particularly over exorbitant fares being charged during the peak tourist season in Manali. Many passengers alleged that auto-rickshaw operators sometimes charged up to 10 times the legal fare from unsuspecting visitors.