OLA-UBER...

Both Uber and Ola refused to comment on the fare hike in Mumbai and the new fare structure.

Passengers have complained about the hike in fares. “I travel between Byculla and Chinchpokli at Rs30, but when I booked an Ola cab on Wednesday, I had to pay Rs45. The hike is not justified as there has been an increase in prices of everyday products.” said Anil Jain, a Byculla resident. “I have noticed an increase in fare prices of both Ola and Uber. Last week, I had booked a cab from Thane to Nariman Point and the rate was around Rs550. Later, towards the end of the week when I tried booking, the fare was Rs900.” said Savita Yadav, a 34-year-old Thane resident.

The drivers, however, have stated that there has been only a minimal increase. “If passengers are noticing an increase in fares at present, that could be because of rainfall. During rainfall, there are fewer vehicles on the road. The increase in fare is minimal and is not going to help drivers substantially.” said an Uber cab driver, who did not want to be named.

China’s embassy in Pakistan confirmed that nine of its nationals died.

Terming the explosion a bomb attack but not giving more details, the Chinese foreign ministry offered condolences and urged both a thorough investigation and protection of its personnel and projects.

“Recently, our workers at a business on a certain project in Pakistan were attacked and have suffered deaths and injuries. We have notified Chinese citizens in Pakistan to avoid venturing outside unless required by work or business and pay especial care to their safety,” the Chinese embassy statement said.

In Beijing, foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said China was “shocked by and condemns the bomb attack”.

“We have demanded the Pakistani side get to the bottom of the incident, arrest and strictly punish the assailants as soon as possible, and earnestly protect the safety of Chinese personnel, institutions and projects in Pakistan,” Zhao said at a press briefing.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry on Wednesday maintained that a mechanical failure caused a gas leak, which led to the explosion.

The bus “plunged into a ravine after a mechanical failure resulting in leakage of gas that caused a blast . ... Further investigations are underway,” the ministry’s statement said.

However, the province’s top police official, inspector general Moazzam Jah Ansari, earlier in the day said foul play was suspected. “Looks like sabotage,” he said.

A senior administrative officer of the Hazara region, who asked not to be named, said the bus was carrying more than 30 Chinese engineers to the Dasu dam in Upper Kohistan.