Chennai auto unions announce September 19 protest over fare hikes

Auto-rickshaw trade unions in Tamil Nadu have announced a protest in Chennai scheduled for September 19. The demonstration aims to pressure the Vijay government to revise meter fares, which have remained unchanged for 13 years.

Approximately 500,000 drivers across the state are reportedly struggling with the rising costs of fuel, maintenance, and insurance. Following three rounds of consultations with the transport department, unions have proposed a consolidated fare structure: a minimum charge of 60 rupees for the first 1.5 kilometers, followed by 30 rupees for each additional kilometer, along with separate waiting and night charges.

While a government committee previously recommended a base fare of 40 rupees and 18 rupees per additional kilometer, that proposal remains pending. Although Transport Minister A. Vijay Tamilnathan Parthiban indicated an announcement would be made soon, unions expressed frustration over the lack of concrete assurances.