Chennai, August 4: After a gap of 13 years, Tamil Nadu is set to revise auto-rickshaw fares. The state transport authority has submitted a comprehensive proposal to the government following consultations with trade unions and passenger representatives.
Transport authority officials stated that the report recommending fare revisions has been sent to the Tamil Nadu Home Department, and a decision on the new rates is expected soon.
Currently, there are approximately 346,000 auto-rickshaws in Tamil Nadu, and the existing fare structure has remained unchanged for nearly 13 years. Auto drivers and trade unions have pressured the government for fare adjustments, citing significant increases in fuel prices, maintenance costs, insurance premiums, and other operational expenses.
As part of the fare revision process, a tripartite meeting involving government officials, auto-rickshaw trade unions, and passenger organizations was held on July 9 in Chennai. More than 30 representatives from trade unions and around 90 representatives from passenger organizations participated in this consultation.
However, both sides presented differing proposals regarding the minimum fare. Auto-rickshaw unions demanded an increase in the minimum fare to ₹70, arguing that the current fare is no longer viable given the substantial rise in operational costs over the past decade.
Passenger organizations acknowledged the need for a fare revision but urged the government to maintain the minimum fare at ₹50 to keep auto travel affordable, especially for daily commuters.
Following the consultations, transport authority officials reviewed the proposals presented by both parties and prepared a detailed report for government consideration. The report takes into account key points raised during the tripartite discussions and various factors affecting auto-rickshaw operational costs.
Before finalizing their recommendations, the authority also studied prevailing fuel prices and auto-rickshaw fares in other major cities. The report has now been submitted to the Home Department for further consideration, which oversees transport-related regulatory matters.
Officials indicated that the state government will examine the recommendations before finalizing the revised minimum fare and subsequent per-kilometer charges. Once approved, this new fare will mark the first significant revision of auto-rickshaw fares in Tamil Nadu in 13 years and will apply to approximately 346,000 vehicles across the state.
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