THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Justice Ramachandran Committee has submitted a recommendation to the government to increase the minimum fare for autorickshaws in the state to Rs 30 and for taxis to Rs 210. At present, the minimum fare for autorickshaws is Rs 25 per 1.5 km. The kilometre rate should be increased from Rs 12 to Rs 15.

50 per cent extra charge outside the limits of the corporation and municipality and the 50 percent extra charge levied on city limits at night should also be maintained. The waiting charge can remain at Rs 10 for 15 minutes.

The Commission has recommended that the minimum charge be increased to Rs 210 for taxis below 1500 cc. At present, the minimum charge is Rs 175. The minimum charge should be increased from Rs 200 to Rs 240 for vehicles above1500 cc.

Minister Antony Raju said the final decision would be taken after discussions.

The report stated that the demand for a rate hike was justified in the wake of rising fuel prices. On November 22, Kerala Kaumudi had reported that the rates would be increased.