Politics · India Bureau
Kerala auto, taxi fares set to rise from January 1 after strike call-off
Kerala's auto-taxi unions have called off strike action following talks with the state Transport Minister. A decision on fare revisions, including a proposed hike in minimum fares, is expected after a panel completes its study.
LSN India ·
Auto and taxi operators in Kerala will see fare increases effective January 1, after trade union representatives and Transport Minister C. P. John reached an agreement to end threatened industrial action.
The resolution came during a meeting between senior officials and representatives of the auto-taxi trade unions, averting a potential disruption to the state's transport sector. The unions had been pressing for substantial fare revisions to address rising operational costs.
Union representatives had demanded that the existing minimum fare of ₹30 be raised to ₹50, citing increased expenses for fuel, maintenance, and vehicle operations. The Transport Ministry has constituted a panel to conduct a detailed examination of the proposed fare structure and submit recommendations.
The outcome of the panel's study is expected to inform the final decision on fare adjustments that will take effect from the new year. Officials indicated that the review would balance the interests of operators seeking higher revenues with consumer affordability concerns.
The agreement to call off strike action represents a significant development for Kerala's transport operators, who have faced sustained pressure from rising input costs in recent months.