Just in: The Delhi government is planning to ban surge pricing by app-based cab platforms.

This comes after the Delhi government on Monday directed the Transport department to cancel permits and impound commercial vehicles if they are found "overcharging'. The move comes in the wake of complaints by commuters of overcharging by app-based operators such as Ola and Uber.

Since its first phase, the odd-even road rationing scheme has heavily depended on cab services. Despite increase in frequency of Metro trains and more buses on roads, commuters have fallen back on hiring cabs. 

Yesterday, 18 taxis belonging to Ola and Uber have been impounded in Delhi for overcharging clients.

The Delhi govt's odd-even scheme, which ends on April 30 and is aimed at reducing the egregious air pollution in the capital, restricts cars to alternate days according to whether they carry odd or even-numbered licence plates.

The scheme began last week but its first test was on Monday, when schools and offices re-opened after a four-day-long weekend. Commuters complained angrily on social media about surge pricing - fares for taxis provided by Ola and Uber shooting up to nearly five times the standard rate.