Telangana Transport Minister Appeals to Auto Drivers to Withdraw Strike Amid Fare Hike Discussions

Hyderabad, August 23: Telangana’s Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar Goud has urged auto-rickshaw drivers across the state to call off their proposed indefinite strike, set to begin at midnight on Sunday. He assured that the government is committed to addressing all legitimate demands of the auto drivers, particularly the issue of fare increases.

Speaking to the media in Siddipet district, the minister stated, “Solutions to problems come through dialogue, not strikes. The government is fully prepared to resolve the issues faced by auto workers.”

He announced that the state government is establishing a welfare board for auto drivers. Additionally, a new scheme will provide financial assistance of up to ₹1.5 lakh per auto for retrofitting petrol and diesel autos to electric ones.

The minister highlighted that there has been no fare increase since 2015. Given the rising costs of petrol, diesel, and vehicle maintenance, the government will form a special committee to review fares. This committee will include representatives from auto unions, transport department officials, and other stakeholders.

Ponnam Prabhakar emphasized that the government is promoting electric autos to reduce pollution in Hyderabad while alleviating the economic burden on auto drivers. Financial support will also be provided to those scrapping old autos and purchasing new electric ones. The government aims to gradually replace petrol, diesel, and gas autos with electric alternatives.

He assured that the government is seriously considering the issues faced by auto drivers in rural areas. A policy is being developed to enhance their economic situation and provide greater benefits.

The transport minister reiterated that just as the government resolved the issues of Road Transport Corporation (RTC) employees, it will also address the legitimate demands of auto drivers. He added that steps will be taken to ensure that eligible auto driver families benefit from welfare schemes such as ration cards, free electricity, and free bus travel.

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