Tamil Nadu revises autorickshaw fares after 13 years

The Tamil Nadu government has notified a new fare structure for autorickshaws, marking the first revision since August 2013. Under the new rules, the minimum fare is set at ₹50 for the first 1.8 kilometres, with an additional charge of ₹25 for every subsequent kilometre.

Specific regulations have been introduced for different travel conditions. Night-time journeys between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. will incur a fare 1.5 times the regular rate, and a waiting charge of ₹1 per minute has been established. For travel on ghat roads in hilly areas, the base fare is fixed at ₹60, with an additional ₹30 per kilometre.

The decision follows long-standing demands from drivers' unions citing increased operating costs, including fuel, insurance, and vehicle maintenance, as well as competition from app-based services. The revision aims to balance the interests of drivers and passengers following previous directions from the Madras High Court.