Hyderabad Auto Unions Call Off Strike After Telangana Govt Agrees to Fare Hike

Autorickshaw unions in Hyderabad have called off their indefinite strike after the Telangana government agreed to revise auto fares, which have remained unchanged since 2012. The resolution followed discussions held between Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, senior officials, and autorickshaw union leaders on Sunday night.

Minister Ponnam Prabhakar confirmed that the government had agreed to the demand for a fare increase. However, the final decision on the revised fare structure will be taken after obtaining and reviewing a report from stakeholders.

During the meeting, the minister stated that the state government maintains a positive stance toward the demands raised by the unions. To support drivers, the government plans to introduce its own ride-hailing aggregator application on the lines of Ola and Uber, working in coordination with the Information Technology department to initiate its rollout.

The government also announced that yellow registration plates will be made mandatory for two-wheelers used as commercial bike taxis through platforms such as Rapido, Ola, Uber, and others.

Addressing rumours regarding the state transport corporation, Prabhakar clarified that there are no plans to purchase electric autorickshaws through TGSRTC, describing such claims as a false campaign.

The minister added that the government has agreed to establish a TGSRTC workers' welfare board. A joint meeting involving representatives from the Labour department, Transport department, and autorickshaw unions has been scheduled for September 1 to discuss further measures.

Regarding welfare measures promised during elections, the government will evaluate the provision of Rs 12,000 financial assistance for auto workers. Prabhakar noted that the matter will be taken up for discussion in the Cabinet, taking into account the state's financial condition, before reaching a positive decision.

Additionally, the government will provide financial assistance of Rs 1.50 lakh to convert old diesel and petrol autorickshaws into electric vehicles through retrofitting within the Hyderabad CURE Area. Subsidies for purchasing new electric autorickshaws are also being extended.