Tamil Nadu Government Announces Revised Auto Fares and New கட்டணம் Rules

Overview of the Revised Transport Regulations

The Tamil Nadu government has officially released a new administrative order modifying travel charges for contract auto rickshaws operating throughout Chennai and other regional parts of the state. These updates follow official guidelines provided to regional and state transport authorities under the framework of the motor vehicles legislation.

Updated Distance and Base Charges

Under the updated structure affecting every daily commuter, the baseline minimum distance for auto journeys is fixed at 1.8 kilometers. For this initial distance, passengers are required to pay a revised minimum amount of 50 rupees. Once this initial threshold is cleared, every subsequent kilometer traveled incurs an additional charge of 25 rupees. Furthermore, waiting time during trips is billed at a rate of 1 rupee for every single minute.

Night Travel and Hilly Terrain Regulations

Special pricing structures have been introduced for specific travel conditions. For operations in mountainous regions, the baseline charge is set at 1.2 times the normal flat rate, resulting in a minimum basic fee of 60 rupees, alongside an extra 30 rupees for each subsequent kilometer on hill paths. Additionally, nighttime commuters utilizing auto services between 10 PM and 5 AM are subject to a multiplier of 1.5 times the standard daytime travel cost.

Protest Actions and Future Outlook

Amid these sudden adjustments to transport expenses, local workers have begun voicing their responses. Notably, auto workers recently organized protest demonstrations in Manapparai regarding local industry concerns, even as the new state directives take effect across various districts.

Sources: Nakkheeran, Thanthi TV, DinaMani.