21 hrs ago
Tamil Nadu Auto Unions Announce September 19 Fare Protest
Auto-rickshaw drivers in Tamil Nadu say their fares have not changed for 13 years.
They say fuel, repairs and insurance have become more expensive.
Their unions will hold a protest in Chennai on September 19.
The drivers want passengers to pay Rs 60 for the first 1.5 kilometres.
They want Rs 30 for every kilometre after that.
The government has discussed the issue several times but has not made a final decision.
A committee had earlier suggested lower fares.
Officials are considering another fare proposal.
The unions say they may continue their agitation unless the government acts soon.
Auto-rickshaw unions will protest in Chennai on September 19 over unchanged fares.
The federation wants Rs 60 for the first 1.5 km and Rs 30 for every additional kilometre.
Unions say nearly five lakh drivers face rising fuel, maintenance and insurance costs.
A 2024 committee recommended lower fares, while officials are considering a higher revision.
The government has promised an announcement soon, but unions say only a time-bound order can prevent agitation.
- Who
- The Federation of Auto-Rickshaw Trade Unions and auto-rickshaw drivers in Tamil Nadu.
- What
- A protest has been announced to demand revised meter fares, waiting charges and night charges.
- Where
- Near Rajarathinam Stadium in Egmore, Chennai.
- When
- September 19; the latest consultation was held on August 27.
- Why
- Unions say fares have been unchanged since 2013 while fuel, maintenance and insurance costs have risen.
Auto unions
Government and commuter concerns
Proposed fare levels
Auto unions
Unions have consolidated their demand at Rs 60 for the first 1.5 km and Rs 30 for every subsequent kilometre, plus separate waiting and night charges.
Government and commuter concerns
A 2024 government committee recommended Rs 40 for the first 1.5 km and Rs 18 for each additional kilometre; officials were understood to be considering Rs 50 and Rs 22 to Rs 25.
Timing of action
Auto unions
Unions say repeated consultations produced no firm assurance and that only a time-bound government order can avert agitation.
Government and commuter concerns
Transport Minister A. Vijay Tamilan Parthiban said an announcement would be made soon, while officials said the revision would be based on committee recommendations.
Passenger impact and regulation
Auto unions
Passenger representatives who attended consultations supported the unions’ fare demand.
Government and commuter concerns
Commuters have complained about surge pricing by app-based aggregators and drivers demanding more than displayed estimates; transport activists are seeking enforceable fares and tighter regulation.
Key facts
- Protest date
- September 19
- Protest location
- Near Rajarathinam Stadium, Egmore, Chennai
- Current minimum fare
- Rs 25 for the first 1.8 km
- Current additional fare
- Rs 12 for each subsequent kilometre
- Union demand
- Rs 60 for the first 1.5 km and Rs 30 for each additional kilometre
- Drivers affected
- Nearly five lakh drivers across Tamil Nadu
- Last fare revision
- Introduced in 2013
Sources
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