Chennai Auto Drivers Stage 12-Hour Strike Over QR Code Mandate, Demand Fare Hike, Govt Ride-Hailing App
Tamil Nadu’s auto fares have remained unchanged since 2013 with Rs 25 base fare for the first 1.8 km and Rs 12 per km thereafter.
Thousands of autorickshaw drivers across Chennai staged a 12-hour strike on Wednesday, protesting against the Greater Chennai Police’s (GCP) recent QR code mandate and long-pending demands, including a fare revision, a government-run ride-hailing app, and a ban on bike taxis.
The strike, which began at 6 AM and is set to continue until 6 PM, has left commuters struggling for alternatives.
#WATCH | Chennai, Tami Nadu: All Autoriskhaw Union Federation holds protest demanding Tamil Nadu government to launch own ride app and increase the meter charges pic.twitter.com/TxyWoaBNSp
— ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2025
Reasons Behind Protest
The GCP introduced the QR code system on March 8 to improve passenger safety, particularly for women and children. The system enables real-time tracking of autorickshaws and features an SOS option for emergencies. However, auto drivers argue that before implementing new regulations, the government must first address their existing grievances, particularly stagnant fares and poor working conditions.
The Tamil Nadu Auto Workers Federation, affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), has been pressing for a fare revision since a 2022 Madras High Court order directed the government to update auto fares. Despite multiple discussions, no revision has been implemented.
Stagnant Fares
Tamil Nadu’s auto fares have remained unchanged since 2013 with Rs 25 base fare for the first 1.8 km and Rs 12 per km thereafter, as per a report on IANS. So, unions are demanding an increase to Rs 50 minimum fare and Rs 25 per additional km. Frustrated by government inaction, some drivers have unilaterally hiked fares, charging Rs 50 as the base fare and Rs 18 per km, but only a small fraction of drivers have adopted these rates.
Autorickshaw drivers are also pushing for a government-regulated ride-hailing app, similar to Kerala’s model, citing exploitative hidden charges by private aggregators such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido. They argue that a state-run app would ensure fair pricing, transparency, and additional revenue for the government.
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