Tamil Nadu’s revised auto-rickshaw fares have ended a 13-year freeze, with drivers in Madurai welcoming the increase while seeking changes to the state’s free bus travel scheme and additional financial support for vehicle compliance and festivals.
Under the government’s recent order, the minimum fare is now Rs 50 for the first 1.8 km, followed by Rs 25 for every additional kilometre. The previous rates, fixed in 2013, were Rs 25 for the first 1.8 km and Rs 12 for each subsequent kilometre.
Auto drivers said the revised fare could reduce daily disputes with passengers over pricing and limit bargaining at stands and on city roads. “The hike will help avoid conflicts and unnecessary bargaining between drivers and customers, ensuring a fair price for both,” Suresh Kumar, an auto driver from the Alangulam stand, told PTI Videos, according to the Deccan Chronicle report.
The fare revision follows protests and negotiations by auto workers’ organisations, including the Centre of Indian Trade Unions. Drivers said the earlier rates had become difficult to sustain as the cost of essential commodities, fuel, Regional Transport Office fees and insurance increased.
The revision also brings a direct change to the cost of short urban trips. At the revised minimum rate, a journey of up to 1.8 km will cost Rs 50, twice the earlier minimum fare. For passengers who rely on autos for first- and last-mile connectivity, the increase will affect the cost of reaching bus stops, railway stations, markets and neighbourhood services. The supplied report does not specify whether a revised meter-enforcement mechanism or a city-level implementation schedule has been issued.
Drivers have separately asked the administration to regulate the state’s free bus travel scheme for women, arguing that it has reduced their passenger numbers and daily earnings. They proposed limiting the benefit to economically weaker sections rather than extending it to high-earning government employees. The report records this as a demand from auto workers and does not indicate any government decision on the request.
Kanagavel, district treasurer of the CITU auto union, also sought an annual subsidy of Rs 10,000 for fitness certificate renewals. He cited a Rs 15,000 subsidy reportedly provided to auto drivers in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Fitness certification is a recurring compliance cost for commercial vehicles, and the demand places vehicle operating expenses alongside fuel, insurance and statutory fees in the union’s list of concerns.
The union further requested a Deepavali bonus of Rs 5,000 per driver through the Unorganised Workers’ Welfare Board. The government’s response to the subsidy and bonus requests was not stated in the supplied report. For now, the immediate change for passengers and drivers is the implementation of the revised fare order after the long gap since the previous rates were set in 2013.
