Tamil Nadu: Travelling by auto-rickshaw in Tamil Nadu may cost passengers more under a new fare structure announced by the state government. The minimum fare has been set at ₹50 for the first 1.8 kilometres. After that, passengers will have to pay an extra ₹25 for every additional kilometre.
The new rules cover contract carriage auto-rickshaws operating in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu. However, the government notification issued on October 27, 2026, does not mention when the new fares will come into effect.
What Are the New Auto-Rickshaw Fares?
According to the government notification, the revised fare structure includes different charges for normal journeys, travel through hilly roads, waiting time and travel at night.
Here is a simple breakdown of the new rates:
- Minimum fare: ₹50 for the first 1.8 kilometres.
- Extra distance: ₹25 for every kilometre after the first 1.8 kilometres.
- Hilly roads: A minimum fare of ₹60, with an additional ₹30 per kilometre.
- Waiting charge: ₹1 for every minute of waiting.
- Night fare: 1.5 times the normal fare for journeys between 10 pm and 5 am.
These rates are part of the revised fare structure mentioned in the notification.
How Much Will Passengers Have to Pay?
Under the new structure, passengers will pay ₹50 for a short journey of up to 1.8 kilometres.
If the journey is longer, an additional charge of ₹25 per kilometre will apply beyond the initial distance.
For example, the basic fare for a journey of 3.8 kilometres would be ₹100, assuming the extra distance is calculated proportionately and no other charges apply.
Passengers travelling on hilly roads may have to pay more because separate rates have been set for these routes.
Higher Fares for Night Travel
The government has also announced a higher fare for journeys made at night.
Passengers travelling between 10 pm and 5 am will have to pay 1.5 times the normal fare. This means the fare will be 50% higher than the regular rate.
For example, if a normal journey costs ₹100, the night fare would be ₹150, before any other applicable charges.
The notification also sets a waiting charge of ₹1 per minute.
What Has the Government Ordered?
The Tamil Nadu government has directed the State Transport Authority and the concerned Regional Transport Authorities to fix the applicable fares in their respective areas.
The order was issued under Section 67(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
It also replaces two earlier government notifications dated August 25, 2013, and October 16, 2014.
The latest order was issued by A Karthik, Principal Secretary to the Tamil Nadu government.
When Will the New Fares Start?
The notification is dated October 27, 2026, but it does not give a specific date for the start of the revised fares.
Passengers should therefore check announcements from the relevant transport authorities for confirmation of when the new rates will be applied.
The revised structure sets out the proposed charges for auto-rickshaw journeys across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai. The exact implementation date remains to be confirmed.
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