Tamil Nadu Sets New Auto Fare Structure After 13 Years
The Tamil Nadu government has revised auto fares, establishing a minimum charge of Rs 50 for the first 1.8 km, effective immediately.
New minimum fare set at Rs 50 for the first 1.8 km.
Night travel will cost 1.5 times the regular fare.
Revision follows 13 years of unchanged rates and driver protests.
In a significant move, the Tamil Nadu government has announced a new fare structure for autorickshaws, marking the first revision in 13 years. The updated rates, which include a minimum charge of Rs 50 for the initial 1.8 kilometers and Rs 25 for each additional kilometer, were officially notified on Tuesday. This decision comes after persistent demands from drivers' unions and consultations with consumer organizations, highlighting the need for fare adjustments in light of rising operational costs.
The notification was issued by the Home (Transport-I) Department in an extraordinary edition of the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette. It directs the State Transport Authority and regional transport authorities to implement the revised fare structure under the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988. This revision replaces the previous fare structure established in August 2013, when the minimum charge was set at Rs 25 for the first 1.8 km and Rs 12 for every subsequent kilometer.
Under the new fare structure, night travel between 10 PM and 5 AM will incur a charge of 1.5 times the regular fare. Additionally, waiting charges have been established at Re 1 per minute. For travel on ghat roads, the fare will be 1.2 times the minimum fare, starting with a base fare of Rs 60 and an extra Rs 30 for each additional kilometer traveled. These changes reflect the government's response to the rising costs faced by drivers, including fuel prices and maintenance expenses.
The long-awaited fare revision was prompted by repeated representations and protests from autorickshaw drivers, who have been advocating for a fare increase due to escalating costs. In February 2022, the Madras High Court directed the state government to consider fare adjustments that would balance the interests of both drivers and passengers. During recent consultations, drivers' unions pushed for a higher minimum fare, while consumer representatives emphasized the importance of keeping fares affordable.
Looking ahead, the new fare structure is expected to impact both drivers and passengers significantly. The government will monitor the implementation of these rates and their reception among the public. Future reviews may be necessary to ensure that the fare structure remains fair and sustainable for all parties involved.
