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Mangaluru, 31 August 2026: Auto-rickshaw fares across Dakshina Kannada district have been revised in view of rising fuel prices and increasing costs of vehicle spare parts. The new fares will come into effect from September 1, 2026.
Revised fares were approved by the Dakshina Kannada Regional Transport Authority (RTA) at a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner and RTA Chairman Darshan H.V. The authority considered the demands of auto-rickshaw driver and owner associations as well as the interests of the general public while fixing the new rates.
New Auto-Rickshaw Fare Structure
- Minimum fare: ₹40 for the first 1.5 km, for up to three passengers.
- Additional distance: ₹20 per kilometre after the first 1.5 km.
- Waiting charges: First 10 minutes free, followed by ₹5 for every subsequent period of up to 15 minutes.
- Luggage: First 20 kg is free, provided a passenger accompanies the luggage. Thereafter, ₹5 will be charged for every additional 20 kg or part thereof.
- Night charges: From 10 pm to 5 am, auto-rickshaws can charge 1.5 times the normal fare.
Approved fare chart must be displayed prominently inside every auto-rickshaw so that passengers can clearly see the applicable rates. Auto-rickshaw owners have also been instructed to get their digital meters recalibrated and sealed within the prescribed period. RTA has warned that charging passengers above the prescribed fare or violating the regulations could result in legal action, including fines, suspension or cancellation of permits.
Auto Federation Raises Concern Over Existing Per-Kilometre Fare
Dakshina Kannada District Auto-Rickshaw Drivers and Owners’ Federation president Bharath Kumar Mangaladevi said the fare order contains an error concerning the previous rates. He pointed out that the order states the earlier fare as ₹35 for the minimum distance and ₹17 per subsequent kilometre. According to him, while ₹35 was the existing minimum fare in Mangaluru, the per-kilometre fare was already ₹20. He said the issue had been brought to the attention of the concerned authorities, who had assured that the error would be corrected.
Bharath Kumar said the federation had sought a minimum fare of ₹50 and was hoping for at least ₹45. He expressed dissatisfaction with the ₹40 minimum fare, noting that auto-rickshaw operators have to wait several years for fare revisions.
Concern Over Impact on Passengers
Speaking to media activist Hanumanth Kamath has opposed the fare increase, arguing that auto-rickshaw users largely include people from lower- and middle-income groups. He said the administration could have waited for another two months, particularly amid expectations of a possible decline in crude oil prices. Revised fares will come into force from September 1, with the ₹40 minimum fare becoming the key change for passengers across the district.
Keywords
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