Thiruvananthapuram: Autorickshaw and taxi workers' unions have called off their proposed November 12 strike after the state government agreed in principle to consider their demand for a fare revision. The minimum autorickshaw fare is likely to increase from Rs 30 to Rs 50 from January 1, 2027.
Transport Minister C P John confirmed the government's plan to revise fares after holding discussions with representatives of auto-taxi trade unions.
The government has agreed in principle to revise fares and intends to introduce the new rates from January 1, 2027. However, the extent of the increase will be decided after a commission examines the unions’ demands and submits its recommendations.
The current minimum fare came into effect on April 26, 2022.
John said the government would immediately constitute a commission to examine the proposed revision. Union representatives will be given an opportunity to present their demands before the panel, following which the government will take a final decision.
The discussions also covered several welfare and infrastructure demands raised by autorickshaw and taxi workers.
The government will take steps to extend Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) benefits to drivers in the sector. It will also coordinate with local self-government institutions to restore autorickshaw and taxi stands affected by National Highway development projects.
The government is considering extending to other parts of the state a model adopted in Kozhikode to address issues involving electric autorickshaws operating without permits.
John also said discussions would be held with the Tourism Department and hotel owners to explore the possibility of providing rest facilities for taxi drivers undertaking long-distance journeys.
The government will also approach railway authorities to seek facilities for vehicles operating paid taxi services at railway stations.
The minister also clarified the rules governing two-wheelers used for taxi services.
Such vehicles must have yellow commercial registration plates. The government will take steps to strictly regulate the commercial use of privately registered, white-board two-wheelers for passenger transport, he said.
The unions had announced the November 12 strike to press for a fare revision and address other demands concerning drivers’ working conditions. They decided to withdraw the protest after the government assured them that their demands would be examined.
The proposed revision will be the first since April 2022. The final fares will depend on the commission’s recommendations and the government’s subsequent decision.