Taxi Fares Hiked in Varanasi Amid Rising Fuel Costs, Tourism Association Announces New Rates
First fare revision since 2018; VATA also opposes Uttar Pradesh government’s one-time tax policy
Varanasi: Citing the continuous rise in fuel prices and operational expenses, the Varanasi Tourism Association (VATA) has announced an increase of Rs 2 per kilometre in taxi fares with immediate effect. The decision was taken during a meeting and press conference held at Hotel Tridev Grand in Varanasi.
VATA President Pranay Ranjan Singh said that this is the first fare hike since 2018. He stated that over the past several years, the prices of diesel, petrol, vehicle maintenance, and other operational costs have increased significantly, while taxi operators were still working on old rates, pushing the industry towards a financial crisis.
As per the revised fare structure, Dzire taxis will now charge Rs 13 per km, Ertiga Rs 16 per km, Innova Crysta Rs 20 per km, Tempo Traveller Rs 30 per km, and Urbania Rs 35 per km.
The association clarified that there will be no change in the minimum running kilometre policy. Local trips will continue to be billed for a minimum of 200 km per day, while outstation trips will be charged for a minimum of 250 km per day.
During the meeting, members also strongly opposed the Uttar Pradesh government’s one-time tax policy for taxi vehicles. According to the association, the policy has imposed a heavy financial burden on both new and old commercial vehicles. Taxi operators alleged that even owners of three to four-year-old vehicles are being forced to pay an immediate tax amount ranging from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh, which they termed unjustified.
VATA warned that if the government fails to reconsider the policy, a statewide protest movement could be launched soon.
Several prominent taxi operators, including Ram Pandey, Raunak Sharma, Gaurav Rupani, Arun Singh, Satish Singh, Shanu Rai, Prakash Singh, Bachcha Singh, and Raka Yadav, along with hundreds of others, were present at the meeting.
