Auto, taxi fares in Keralam to go up from January 1; operators call off strike

The government has also agreed to consider several other demands raised by the unions, including Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) coverage for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers (file image)

Keralam has decided to revise auto-rickshaw and taxi fares in the State from January 1, 2027. The decision was taken at a meeting between representatives of auto-taxi trade unions and Transport Minister C. P. John in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday (November 11, 2026).

Following the State government’s acceptance of the unions’ demand for a fare revision, the 24-hour strike called by auto-rickshaw and taxi operators for Thursday has been called off.

The unions have demanded that the existing minimum fare of ₹30 be raised to ₹50.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Mr. John said the State government would constitute a commission to study the proposed fare revision. The unions would be given an opportunity to present their views before the commission, which would recommend the revised rates. The final decision on the extent of the fare hike would be taken based on its report, with the new rates scheduled to come into effect on January 1, the Minister said.

“Since the last fare revision was effected on April 22, 2022, the government has accepted the unions’ demand for a revision in principle and decided to constitute a commission to examine the proposal. Steps are being taken to implement the revised rates from January 1,” he told the media.

The government has also agreed to consider several other demands raised by the unions, including Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) coverage for auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, stricter regulation of two-wheeler taxis operating without the mandatory yellow number plates, and the provision of restrooms for drivers at hotels and other locations.

The Minister said discussions had been held with the Tourism Department and hotel owners on providing rest facilities for drivers and that the government would seriously consider the proposal. Though two-wheeler taxis are permitted to operate, some were found using white number plates instead of the mandatory yellow ones. The government has decided to take steps to strictly regulate such violations, he said.