Tamil Nadu Auto Fare Revised 2026: Check New Minimum Charges Per KM

The Tamil Nadu government has revised auto-rickshaw fares across the state, addressing a long-standing demand from auto drivers. The new fare structure increases the minimum charge and per-kilometre rate, taking into account rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance expenses and other operating costs.

New Auto Fare Details in Tamil Nadu

Under the revised fare structure, the minimum fare for the first 1.8 km has been fixed at ₹50. Passengers will have to pay an additional ₹25 for every kilometre travelled beyond the initial distance.

For autos operating on hill routes, the fare will be 1.2 times the regular rate. The minimum charge for the first 1.8 km on these routes will be ₹60, followed by ₹30 for every additional kilometre.

The revised fare structure also allows higher charges during night hours and for waiting time.

Night Charges and Waiting Charges

Passengers travelling between 10 PM and 5 AM will be charged 1.5 times the regular fare. The waiting charge has been fixed at ₹1 per minute.

Why Were Auto Fares Revised?

The previous auto fare structure was introduced in 2013. Under the old system, passengers were charged ₹25 for the first 1.8 km and ₹12 for every additional kilometre.

Auto drivers had been demanding a fare revision for several years due to increasing fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs and insurance expenses. Driver associations had requested a minimum fare of ₹60 to ₹70 for the initial distance, along with ₹25 to ₹30 for every additional kilometre.

Consumer organisations, however, had recommended fixing the minimum fare at ₹50. After considering the demands of both sides, the state government announced the revised rates.

Auto Meter Rules and Implementation

The Transport Department has instructed auto owners to update their meters according to the revised fare structure within six months. Until the meters are recalibrated, drivers must display the new fare chart inside their vehicles where passengers can easily see it.

The department is also expected to monitor whether drivers operate their meters and collect fares according to the government`s revised rules. Action may be taken against those who violate the instructions.

Auto Drivers Seek Digital Meters and App-Based Fare Regulation

Auto driver associations have also requested the government to provide free digital meters with GPS facilities. They have urged authorities to apply the revised fare structure to ride-hailing platforms such as Rapido, Ola and Uber.

They have also suggested introducing a government-operated mobile application to help passengers book autos at regulated fares.

Comparison of Auto Fares in Other States

The revised Tamil Nadu fares are higher than the rates mentioned for neighbouring states in the report.

- Kerala: ₹30 for the first 1.5 km, followed by ₹15 for every additional kilometre or ₹1.50 for every 100 metres.

- Karnataka: ₹36 for the first 2 km, followed by ₹18 for every additional kilometre.

- Andhra Pradesh: ₹20 for the first 1.6 km, followed by ₹11 for every additional kilometre.

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