Tamil Nadu Increases Auto Rickshaw Fare to ₹50 After 13 Years

The Tamil Nadu government has raised the minimum auto rickshaw fare from ₹25 to ₹50, marking the first increase in 13 years. This change, effective immediately, comes after persistent demands from auto drivers. The new fare structure includes additional charges for nighttime travel and waiting times. Coinciding with this fare hike, Aavin has also increased prices for various dairy products, adding to the financial burden on consumers just before the Diwali festival. Passengers and families will need to adjust their budgets as these changes take effect.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 28, 2026, 14:48 IST

Fare Hike Announcement

Chennai. The Tamil Nadu government has announced a significant increase in auto rickshaw fares, raising the minimum fare from ₹25 to ₹50. This marks the first adjustment in auto fares in over 13 years. The decision comes in response to persistent protests from auto drivers advocating for fare hikes.

New Fare Structure

Under the revised fare system, passengers will now pay ₹50 for the first 1.8 kilometers. For each additional kilometer, the charge will be ₹25, a notable increase from the previous rate of ₹12 per kilometer for extra distance. This adjustment reflects a substantial rise in both the initial fare and subsequent travel rates.

Night Travel Charges

The new fare structure also introduces a separate rate for nighttime travel. Passengers traveling between 10 PM and 5 AM will be required to pay 1.5 times the regular fare. Additionally, a waiting charge of ₹1 per minute will be applied for any time spent waiting for the auto. The last fare revision in the state occurred in 2013, making this change significant.

Official Notification

The Tamil Nadu government published the notification regarding the revised auto fares in the state gazette on Tuesday, October 27. This decision follows extensive protests from auto drivers who have long sought an increase in fares. While the new rates aim to address the drivers' demands, they will inevitably impact the financial burden on regular passengers.

Impact on Consumer Prices

Just a day before the fare increase, Tamil Nadu's state dairy cooperative, Aavin, also announced price hikes for several of its products. Consumers will now face higher costs for items such as ghee, butter, yogurt, sweets made from milk, lassi, and cookies. This price increase, occurring just before Diwali, will require consumers to adjust their budgets accordingly.

Specific Price Changes

The price of Aavin's ghee has seen a significant rise, with the cost of a 100 ml pack increasing from ₹80 to ₹95, and a 200 ml pack now priced at ₹180 instead of ₹160. Similarly, the price of a 100-gram pack of butter has gone up from ₹60 to ₹70. These new prices are set to take effect on Wednesday, October 28.

Economic Implications

The simultaneous increase in auto fares and Aavin product prices comes at a time when household expenses typically rise ahead of Diwali. Passengers who rely on auto rickshaws for daily commutes, as well as families purchasing dairy products, may need to reevaluate their spending plans. While the government has responded to the long-standing demands of auto drivers, the increased costs for Aavin products could place additional financial strain on consumers during the festive season.