Auto unions renew fare hike demand in meeting with Telangana Transport Minister

Representatives of autorickshaw drivers and app-based transport workers renewed their demand for higher fares at a meeting with Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Saturday, following up on discussions held on September 7.

The delegation, which included B. Venkatesham, A. Sathireddy, M.A. Saleem and Ajay Babu, approached the Minister as a joint action committee (JAC). The leaders sought an increase in the minimum auto fare to ₹40, along with ₹18 for every subsequent kilometre.

Mr. Prabhakar told the representatives that the decisions taken at the earlier meeting would be implemented soon. He also assured them that the government was working out the modalities for setting up a welfare board for autorickshaw workers, and said an app for the sector was in the process of being developed.

The unions also urged the government to stop autorickshaws registered outside Hyderabad from operating in the city, suggesting that permits be issued to local drivers to meet the city's transport needs. According to the JAC, the Minister assured them that the remaining auto permits covered under Government Order No. 263 would be issued shortly.

Mr. Prabhakar suggested that the unions nominate a smaller delegation of about five representatives to meet him every week, so that the problems faced by autorickshaw drivers could be discussed until they are resolved.