Ahmedabad: Citing a sharp rise in CNG prices and increasing operational costs, the Rickshaw Pullers Association has announced a hike in auto-rickshaw fares. The minimum fare for the first 1.2 km has been increased from ₹20 to ₹30, while the per-kilometre charge beyond 1.2 km has been raised from ₹15 to ₹20.

According to the association, the fare revision became necessary due to the continuous increase in CNG prices and the absence of any official fare revision despite repeated representations to the authorities.

A Rate Review Committee, headed by the Transport Commissioner and comprising representatives of the Rickshaw Pullers Association, is responsible for reviewing and revising auto-rickshaw fares. The committee last met in 2022 to discuss fare revisions. Although fares are expected to be reviewed annually, no revision has been approved despite repeated increases in CNG prices over the past few years.

Association representatives said the issue was raised several times with the Transport Commissioner, who had reportedly assured them that a decision would be taken after the elections. However, no such decision has been made so far.

“The price of CNG has been rising continuously, making it difficult for auto-rickshaw drivers to meet household expenses and vehicle maintenance costs under the existing fare structure. We submitted applications to the government seeking a fare revision, but since no decision was taken, the association was compelled to increase the fares,” a representative of the association said.

Under the revised fare structure, passengers will now pay ₹30 for journeys of up to 1.2 km, compared to the earlier ₹20. The fare for a 2-km journey has increased from ₹35 to ₹50, while a 3-km ride will now cost ₹70 instead of ₹50.

Revised Auto-Rickshaw Fare Chart

DeshGujarat