Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 21: Commuters using taxis and autorickshaws in Mumbai will have to shell out more from next week after the state government approved a revision in fares.
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA), headed by Additional Chief Secretary Sanjay Sethi, approved the fare hike at a meeting on Thursday following demands from taxi and autorickshaw unions.
Under the revised rates, the minimum taxi fare for the first 1.5 km will increase from Rs 31 to Rs 33, while the autorickshaw fare will go up from Rs 26 to Rs 27.
The new fares are expected to come into effect next week after the state government issues the official notification.
The revision comes around 18 months after the previous fare hike, which was implemented on February 1, 2025. At that time, the basic fare for both taxis and autorickshaws was increased by Rs 3.
The latest fares have been calculated based on the formula recommended by the Khatua Committee. The formula takes into account factors including fuel prices, vehicle costs, the Consumer Price Index, vehicle loan interest rates and government taxes.
According to the revised calculation, the per-kilometre taxi fare will increase from Rs 20.66 to Rs 21.90. The autorickshaw fare per kilometre will rise from Rs 17.14 to Rs 18.22.
An official from the state transport department said CNG prices had increased by Rs 8, or 10.25%, since the previous fare revision, while other operating expenses had also gone up.
The Mumbai Taximens’ Union had sought an increase in the taxi fare to Rs 25 per km. This would have resulted in a Rs 4 increase in the minimum fare.
Taxi and autorickshaw unions welcomed the government's decision, although some representatives said the approved hike was lower than expected.
Thampy Kurien, general secretary of the Mumbai Rickshawmen’s and Taximen’s Union, said the unions were pleased that their demand had been considered. He added that the exact revised fares would be clear once the MMRTA issues the official order.
Shashank Sharad Rao, president of an autorickshaw union, said the increase was insufficient considering the rising cost of running taxis and autorickshaws. He said unions had expected a Rs 4 hike for taxis and Rs 3 for autorickshaws.