Published Nov 11, 2026 | 4:18 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 11, 2026 | 4:19 PM
The government will constitute a commission to examine the proposed revision and recommend a new fare structure.
Synopsis: Auto-rickshaw and taxi unions in Keralam have called off their proposed 24-hour strike on Thursday after the government agreed in principle to revise fares from 1 January 2027. The unions have sought an increase in the minimum auto-rickshaw fare from ₹30 to ₹50, citing rising fuel prices, insurance premiums and other operating costs.
Auto-rickshaw and taxi unions in Keralam have called off their proposed 24-hour strike on Thursday after the government agreed in principle to revise fares from 1 January 2027. Transport Minister CP John met union leaders on Wednesday, 11 November.
The strike was called by a joint trade union committee, except for the INTUC- and STU-affiliated unions.
The joint trade union committee said earnings had failed to keep pace with the rising cost of running vehicles, with fuel prices having increased 16 times in the past four-and-a-half years. Insurance premiums and other operating expenses had also risen. The existing fares, it said, were no longer sufficient to meet household expenses and sustain drivers’ livelihoods.
The existing fare structure was last revised on 26 April 2022. The unions have demanded that the minimum auto-rickshaw fare be raised from the existing ₹30 to ₹50. They cited Tamil Nadu, where the minimum fare is ₹50, and said fares in Keralam had not been revised in line with the increase in operating costs.
The government will constitute a commission to examine the proposed revision and recommend a new fare structure. The final decision will be taken after considering the commission’s report.
Minister John said the government intended to complete the process in time to introduce the revised rates in January.
The unions have also sought Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) benefits for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers and better rest facilities for drivers at hotels and other establishments. The government agreed to examine these demands.
Steps will also be taken in coordination with local bodies to restore auto-rickshaw and taxi stands affected by National Highway development works.
The government will explore extending the Kozhikode model for permitting electric autorickshaws to other parts of the State.
John said enforcement would be tightened against two-wheelers operating as taxis without the mandatory yellow commercial registration plates.
Discussions will also be held with railway authorities to improve facilities for paid taxi operators at railway stations.
(Edited by Dese Gowda with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
