Auto rickshaw travel in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad could become more expensive soon, with the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) approving a proposal to revise fares. The proposal has now been forwarded to the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) for final approval. If cleared, the revised fares are expected to come into effect from August 1 after meter recalibration.
The proposed hike comes after auto unions demanded a revision, citing rising CNG prices and increasing operating costs.
What Are The Proposed New Fares?
Under the proposal, the minimum fare for the first 1.5 kilometres is expected to increase from ₹25 to ₹30.
The charge for every additional kilometre is proposed to rise from ₹17 to ₹20.
If implemented, this would be the first fare revision in nearly four years and would affect lakhs of daily commuters who depend on auto rickshaws for local travel.
Why Are Fares Being Increased?
Auto rickshaw unions have argued that rising CNG prices, inflation and higher maintenance costs have significantly increased the financial burden on drivers.
According to union representatives, the recent increase in CNG prices has made it difficult for drivers to continue operating under the existing fare structure. They also stated that the proposed revision is lower than what could have been permitted under the formula recommended by the Khatua Committee, making it a balanced increase.
RTA Approval Still Pending
Although the Pune RTO has approved the proposal, the revised fares will become official only after receiving clearance from the Regional Transport Authority, headed by the Pune District Collector.
Once approved, authorities will begin recalibrating auto meters. Until all meters are updated, commuters are likely to be provided with an official fare chart to calculate the correct fare.
Commuters Seek Better Service
The proposed fare hike has received mixed reactions from passengers.
Many commuters acknowledge that increasing fuel prices have affected drivers, but they also expect improvements in service quality. Frequent complaints include refusal of short-distance rides, overcharging, and drivers demanding higher fares than those displayed on ride-hailing platforms.
Passengers believe any increase in fares should be accompanied by stricter enforcement against such practices.
Impact On Daily Travel
Pune has nearly two lakh auto rickshaws, making them one of the city’s most important modes of public transport.
If the proposal receives final approval, daily commuting costs will increase for thousands of passengers. At the same time, the fare revision is expected to provide financial relief to drivers struggling with higher fuel and operational expenses.
Summary
Auto rickshaw fares in Pune are likely to increase after the RTO approved a proposal awaiting final clearance from the Regional Transport Authority. The minimum fare for the first 1.5 km may rise from ₹25 to ₹30, while the per-kilometre rate could increase from ₹17 to ₹20, with the revised fares expected to take effect after meter recalibration.
