Mumbai Auto-Taxi Fare Hike: Minimum Fares Rise To ₹27 For Autos, ₹33 For Cabs From September 1

Starting September 1, 2026, fares for taxis and autorickshaws in Mumbai will increase, according to the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Transport Authority (MMRTA). The minimum fare for taxis will rise from Rs 31 to Rs 33, while autorickshaw fares will increase from Rs 26 to Rs 27. This revision comes after an 18-month absence, following a previous fare hike of Rs 3 for both taxi and autorickshaw drivers in February 2025.

Although the new fares will take effect from September 1, drivers have been given until November 30 to recalibrate their electronic meters. Failure to update meters by the deadline could result in penal action, including a proposed daily fine of Rs 50, up to a maximum of Rs 5,000.

The recalibration process, however, could present a significant challenge, as there are only around 15 to 20 authorized centers for meter testing and recalibration in Mumbai's region, which has approximately 4.17 lakh registered autorickshaws and 44,825 taxis. This shortage could lead to long waiting periods as thousands of vehicle owners attempt to complete the process within three months.

The increased fares have raised concerns among commuters, who argue that their salaries have not kept pace with the rising cost of living. Ankit Tiwari, a daily commuter, highlighted that even a small increase in taxi or autorickshaw fares adds to the monthly burden. He questioned how ordinary families are expected to manage their budgets when every basic expense is increasing, but income generation remains stagnant.

On the other hand, drivers have defended the fare revision, citing increased operational costs due to rising fuel and maintenance expenses. KK Tiwari, President of the Bharatiya Janata Party Taxi Rickshaw Aghadi, stated that the revision is necessary to ensure drivers can cover their expenses and earn a reasonable livelihood. Similarly, Saroj, an auto driver from Kandivali, emphasized that the fare increase is a necessary adjustment to balance rising operational costs, acknowledging that drivers face numerous expenses like fuel, servicing, and insurance.