Tamil Nadu hikes auto rickshaw rates

New Delhi: The Tamil Nadu government has a not-so-likeable Republic day gift—an upward revision of auto rickshaw fares.

The minimum fare, which was fixed at Rs 7 in 1996, has been revised to Rs.14. This would be valid for the first two kms, state transport minister K N Nehru said.

The fare for distances beyond that has also been hiked to Rs 6 per km from the present Rs.3.50, he added.

Nehru also ordered all auto rickshaw drivers to fit electronic metres within the next six months failing which, strict action would be taken.