Hyderabad Auto and Cab Unions Announce Indefinite Strike From August 24

Transport unions in Hyderabad have announced an indefinite strike by autorickshaw, school van, and cab drivers starting from August 24. The Telangana State Auto and App-based Unions Joint Action Committee (JAC) declared the stir following a meeting in the city, alleging that the state government has failed to fulfil its promises to transport workers.

The JAC expressed strong opposition to the proposed introduction of e-autorickshaws in the Road Transport Corporation (RTC) sector, warning that the move would severely harm the livelihoods of autorickshaw drivers. Union leaders claimed the government has remained indifferent to the losses faced by drivers following the implementation of free bus travel for women on RTC buses, alleging that some autorickshaw drivers had died by suicide due to the financial loss.

Ravishankar Alluri, All India general secretary of the Bharatiya Private Transport Mazdoor Mahasangh (BPTMM), stated that drivers were forced to launch an indefinite strike until their demands are addressed. The JAC demanded the immediate withdrawal of RTC e-autos and the establishment of a welfare board for auto and private transport workers as previously promised.

Financial demands raised by the JAC include the immediate disbursement of the promised annual assistance of Rs 12,000 to autorickshaw drivers along with arrears, as well as the effective implementation and continuation of the Rs 5 lakh accident insurance scheme announced by the previous government.

The committee further demanded an immediate ban on illegal app-based bike services, strict action against companies involved, an official government app, and a revision of autorickshaw and cab meter rates due to rising fuel and commodity prices. Representatives from BMS, AITUC, INTUC, the School Van Drivers Union, and the Cab Drivers Union attended the meeting.