The Rickshaw Pullers Association has announced a hike in auto-rickshaw fares in Ahmedabad, citing rising CNG prices and increasing operational expenses.
Under the revised fare structure, the minimum fare for the first 1.2 km has been increased from ₹20 to ₹30, while the charge for every additional kilometre beyond 1.2 km has been raised from ₹15 to ₹20.
Association members said the fare hike became necessary because of the continuous increase in CNG prices and the lack of any official revision in fares despite repeated requests to the authorities.
Auto-rickshaw fare revisions are reviewed by a Rate Review Committee headed by the Transport Commissioner and comprising representatives of the Rickshaw Pullers Association. The committee last met in 2022 to discuss fare changes.
Although fares are expected to be reviewed every year, no revision has been approved despite repeated hikes in CNG prices over the past few years.
Association representatives said they raised the issue several times with the Transport Commissioner, who had reportedly assured them that a decision would be taken after elections. However, no official revision has been announced so far.
“The continuous rise in CNG prices has made it difficult for drivers to manage household expenses and vehicle maintenance costs under the current fare structure. We repeatedly requested the government for a fare revision, but since no decision was taken, the association decided to increase fares,” a representative said.
As per the revised rates, passengers will now pay ₹30 for journeys up to 1.2 km instead of ₹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:
| Distance | Old Fare | New Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1.2 km | 20 | 30 |
| 1.2 km – 2 km | 35 | 50 |
| 2 km – 3 km | 50 | 70 |
| 3 km – 4 km | 65 | 90 |
| 4 km – 5 km | 80 | 110 |
| 5 km – 6 km | 95 | 130 |