Chennai, September 10 (Daily Kiran) : Auto-rickshaw unions in Tamil Nadu have announced a protest in Chennai on September 19, pressing the state government to revise fares that have remained unchanged for 13 years. The demonstration is set to take place near the Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore, where drivers will demand immediate government action on fare adjustments.
Union representatives highlighted that approximately 500,000 drivers across the state are grappling with rising costs of fuel, maintenance, and insurance. This decision follows three rounds of consultations with the transport department since the Vijay government took office in May.
During the latest meeting on August 27, unions presented a fare chart suggesting a minimum fare increase from ₹60 to ₹70 for the first 1.5 kilometers, with an additional charge of ₹25 to ₹30 for each subsequent kilometer. Passenger representatives participating in the discussions supported this demand.
The federation has consolidated its requests, now seeking a base fare of ₹60 for the first 1.5 kilometers, ₹30 for each additional kilometer, along with separate waiting and night charges. Despite repeated discussions, they claim no solid assurances have been provided.
Drivers had hoped for a decision during the assembly’s debate on the transport department’s grant request. However, Transport Minister A. Vijay Tamil Parthiban stated that an announcement would be made soon, leaving unions disappointed.
Previously, a government committee recommended a base fare of ₹40 in 2024, with ₹18 for each additional kilometer, but this proposal has yet to be acted upon. Following consultations, officials are considering a base fare of ₹50 with charges of ₹22 to ₹25 for each extra kilometer.
Unions insist that the final decision rests with the state home (transport) department. The last fare revision was made in 2013, setting a minimum fare of ₹25 for the first 1.8 kilometers and ₹12 for each additional kilometer. Unions argue that these rates do not reflect current operational costs, rendering meter-based services impractical.
Meanwhile, passengers have reported issues with app-based aggregators imposing surge pricing, while some drivers demand more than the displayed estimates. Transport workers are calling for a workable fare structure, strict regulation of aggregators, and action on complaints. Officials have indicated that changes will be based on the recommendations of the revision committee, but unions assert that only timely orders can quell the impending protests.
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