Tamil Nadu sets new auto‑rickshaw fares for Chennai and statewide

New Rates

Tamil Nadu government has announced a revised auto‑rickshaw fare structure for the Chennai Metropolitan Area and other parts of the state. The gazetted notification released on Oct 28, 2026 fixes the minimum charge at ₹50 for the first 1.8 km. Each additional kilometre costs ₹25 and a waiting charge of ₹1 per minute applies when the vehicle is idle.

Special Rates

For trips between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., the fare is 1.5 times the regular rate, making the minimum charge ₹75 for the first 1.8 km at night. Journeys on a ghat road are charged 1.2 times the minimum, with a base fare of ₹60 and an extra ₹30 for every kilometre on the ghat, resulting in a ₹90 charge for the first kilometre on such routes.

Implementation

The changes are issued under Section 67 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and direct the State Transport Authority and the concerned Regional Transport Authorities to enforce the new rates. Authorities are to update meter settings and inform operators of the revised structure.

Context

These adjustments aim to standardise pricing across both flat and hilly routes and to reflect higher operating costs during night hours, a practice seen in many Indian states to ensure driver earnings and passenger safety.