Cab ride in Chandigarh to get cheaper as UT rolls out new fares
Chandigarh administration
has rolled out a new fare structure that makes taxi rides more affordable, but auto rides more expensive. The revised rates, notified on Monday, also introduce standardized pricing for bike taxis, aiming to bring transparency and consistency across all modes of transport.
The categories of vehicles have also been tweaked, bringing them in greater proximity to the categories adopted by mobile-based cab aggregators. From the earlier rate of ₹34 per km for AC taxis, the administration has now fixed the fare at ₹90 for the first kilometre and ₹25 per km for subsequent kilometres for AC/non-AC cabs with a four-plus-one seating capacity. The notification has also dropped the additional night charges and waiting charges.
UT finance secretary and transport secretary, Diprava Lakra, said, "The fares have been notified after studying fares in several states. A formula that considers averages for fuel, wages, and maintenance costs has been used to fix the rates. Our aim is for the customer to get the maximum benefit."
The last revision of the fares was done in 2022. When hiring an AC taxi, rates were fixed at ₹34/km, increased from ₹23/km. The fare for an ordinary auto was increased to ₹19/km in place of ₹16/km.
"The most impacted category will be the commuters using mobile-based aggregator services. The notified charges are also applicable to the aggregators. Earlier, the fare charged by such operators varied widely," said a senior UT official.
Recently, the administration notified the Chandigarh Administration Motor Vehicles Aggregators Rules, 2025. As per these rules, the aggregator shall not be permitted to charge more than the taxi fare fixed by the Chandigarh administration. The aggregator can charge a fare up to 20 per cent lower than the taxi fare fixed by the Chandigarh Administration under the intimation to the office of the State Transport Authority, UT Chandigarh.
"The new rates will definitely bring transparency and will benefit both passengers and drivers. Earlier, aggregators fixed the rates on their whims. But the administration also has to ensure that this policy does not remain confined to paper. Big aggregator companies have ignored such policies in the past too. This time the State Transport Authority, Chandigarh must implement these orders on the ground with full force," said Vikram Singh Pundir, President, Tricity Cab Association.
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