Thiruvananthapuram: Auto rickshaw and taxi fares in Kerala will be increased from January 1 next year. The decision was reached during a discussion between Transport Minister CP John and representatives of trade unions. Following the government's acceptance of their demands, the 24-hour auto-rickshaw and taxi strike scheduled for Thursday has been called off.

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The trade unions had demanded that the existing minimum fare of Rs 30 be increased to Rs 50. The government will appoint a commission to study the proposed fare hike. A final decision on the revised rates will be taken based on the commission's report, with the new fares set to come into effect from January 1.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Minister CP John said the last fare revision was implemented on April 22, 2022. The government has agreed in principle to the unions' demand for a revision and decided to constitute a commission soon. The government is moving ahead with steps to introduce the revised fares in 2027, he said.

Apart from the fare hike, the government also accepted several other demands raised by the trade unions. These include providing Employees State Insurance (ESI) benefits to auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers, regulating two-wheeler taxis operating without yellow number plates, and providing restrooms for drivers at hotels and other establishments.