For years, Bengaluru commuters have struggled with unpredictable auto fares—either through negotiation on the streets or surge pricing on aggregator apps. But a new initiative, Nagara Auto, promises to bring back the long-forgotten culture of meter-based rides, where passengers only pay what the meter displays, nothing more.
Tejasvi Surya Applauds The Move
Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya recently praised the initiative on X, saying, “Remember the good old days when Bengaluru autos ran by the meter? @NagaraAuto is bringing that back.” He highlighted that there will be no commissions or hidden costs—just government-approved meter fares paid directly to the driver.
The Technology Behind Nagara Auto
The app has been jointly developed by Agnibu Technologies and Brand Pride Mobility. Once booked, commuters are connected to autos that strictly follow regulated meter fares. To make the vehicles more identifiable, enrolled autos carry a special roof marker that lights up at night, ensuring visibility and trust for riders.
Backed By Young Entrepreneurs
Nagara Auto is being spearheaded by youngsters Niru Aradhyan and Shivanna, who want to tackle one of the city’s biggest challenges—first and last-mile connectivity, especially for metro passengers. Their vision is to make commuting more affordable and transparent while giving auto drivers a fairer system without commission cuts.
Growing Fleet and Future Plans
Since its launch last year, more than 1,500 auto drivers have registered with Nagara Auto, and expansion plans are already in motion. With a focus on fair pricing, commuter convenience, and reliability, the platform aims to be a sustainable alternative in Bengaluru’s evolving urban mobility ecosystem.
Why It Matters
The initiative comes at a crucial time when Bengaluru commuters are increasingly vocal about high commute costs and lack of dependable last-mile connectivity. By reviving the simplicity of metered rides, Nagara Auto could reshape the city’s transport culture and bring back trust between riders and auto drivers.
