Bengaluru Auto Fares Hiked: New Rates Effective from August 1, Night Surcharge Increased

In a major update for city commuters, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) of Bengaluru Urban district has officially revised autorickshaw fares, with the new rates taking effect from August 1, 2025. This change is expected to impact thousands of daily auto users across the city.

As per the revised fare structure, the minimum fare for the first 2 kilometres has been increased from ₹30 to ₹36. Additionally, the per-kilometre charge beyond the initial 2 km will rise from ₹15 to ₹18, marking a notable price hike for short- and long-distance auto travel within Bengaluru city limits.

Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban, G. Jagadeesha, confirmed the revision to The Hindu, stating that the hike reflects long-standing demands from auto drivers' unions. They have cited rising fuel prices, inflation, and increasing living costs as primary reasons for pushing this revision. The last auto fare hike in the city was implemented back in 2021.

The new fare order, dated July 14, also brings changes to night-time fares, baggage charges, and waiting time fees. Commuters travelling between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. will now pay a 50% night fare surcharge, a move aimed at compensating drivers for late-hour services.

Under the updated rules, passengers can carry up to 20 kg of luggage for free. For every additional 20 kg or part thereof, a fee of ₹10 will be levied, with the maximum baggage limit capped at 50 kg per ride. This is designed to streamline auto services and reduce misuse related to overloading.

In terms of waiting time, the first five minutes will be free, after which passengers will be charged ₹10 for every 15 minutes of waiting. These charges are part of an effort to standardize fare policies and encourage time-efficient travel in the city.

The RTA has also mandated that all autorickshaws must visibly display the updated fare chart, ensuring complete transparency for commuters. Furthermore, all auto drivers are required to recalibrate and verify their fare meters by October 31, 2025, to comply with the new pricing guidelines. Failure to do so may result in penalties or restrictions on service.

This revision is expected to bring much-needed financial relief to Bengaluru's large autorickshaw driver community, while simultaneously creating a more structured and accountable fare system for commuters.

Passengers are encouraged to check for updated fare displays, request metered fares, and report any discrepancies to transport authorities. With proper enforcement, the new auto fare system aims to make urban mobility in Bengaluru more transparent, regulated, and fair to both riders and drivers.