New transport fare notification issued in Jammu and Kashmir affects buses, taxis, cabs, auto-rickshaws, and tourist vehicles from April 29, 2026.
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has officially increased public transport fares by 18 percent for several categories of commercial passenger vehicles. The Transport Department issued the notification on April 29, 2026. The revised fare structure applies to big buses, mini buses, taxis, maxi cabs, tourist cabs, and petrol auto-rickshaws across the Union Territory.
New Fare Hike Notification Issued by Transport Department
The Transport Department, Civil Secretariat, Jammu and Kashmir, issued Notification S.O. 126 under Section 67(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This notification partially modifies the earlier SRO-97 dated March 19, 2021. The government has directed the Transport Commissioner, J&K, to fix the new maximum chargeable fare based on the revised hike.
Vehicles Covered Under 18 Percent Fare Increase
The 18 percent fare increase applies to the following categories of commercial passenger vehicles in Jammu and Kashmir:
- Big Buses (Stage Carriages)
- Medium and Mini Buses (Stage Carriages)
- Base model Taxi and Maxi Cabs such as Sumo, Bolero, Tata Indica, Swift, Tata Winger, and Tempo Traveller
- Medium segment tourist Taxi and Maxi Cabs such as Tavera, Scorpio, and Xylo
- Premium class tourist Taxi and Maxi Cabs such as Innova and Fortuner
- Petrol Auto Rickshaws
- Stage Carriages like Tata Magic (Auto)
Special Fare Rates for E-Rickshaws and E-Autos
The government has separately fixed fares for electric passenger vehicles in the Union Territory. These rates are not linked to the 18 percent hike and have been issued directly in the notification.
- E-rickshaws: Rs 15 per kilometre
- E-autos: Rs 25 for the first kilometre
- E-autos: Rs 20 for each subsequent kilometre
Why the Government Revised Transport Fares
The fare revision has been issued over and above the rates fixed in the 2021 notification. The government has not mentioned detailed reasons in the order, but such revisions are generally linked to rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, and operational expenses for commercial transport operators.
The revised transport fare notification came into effect on April 29, 2026, and the Transport Commissioner, J&K, has been directed to implement the new maximum chargeable rates immediately.
What This Means for Daily Commuters
Passengers using buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws in Jammu and Kashmir may now pay higher fares for daily travel. The increase will impact office workers, students, and tourists using public and private commercial transport services. Commuters are advised to check updated fare charts issued by local transport authorities.
- J&K government increased transport fares by 18 percent
- Notification issued on April 29, 2026
- Applies to buses, taxis, cabs, and petrol autos
- E-rickshaw fare fixed at Rs 15 per kilometre
- E-auto fare fixed at Rs 25 for first kilometre
- Transport Commissioner ordered to implement new rates
FAQs
The new fare hike was announced on April 29, 2026.
The government has increased fares by 18 percent for multiple vehicle categories.
No. E-rickshaws and e-autos have separate fixed rates in the notification.
The fare for e-rickshaws is Rs 15 per kilometre.
The Transport Department, Civil Secretariat, Jammu and Kashmir, issued the order.
Conclusion
The latest transport fare hike in Jammu and Kashmir will affect thousands of daily commuters and transport users. The revised rates are now official and applicable across various commercial passenger vehicles in the Union Territory.
