Autorickshaw unions call off strike as Telangana govt agrees to fare hike

Autorickshaw unions in Hyderabad have withdrawn their indefinite strike after the State Government agreed to revise fares, which have remained unchanged since 2012. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar announced plans for an aggregator app, mandatory yellow plates for bike taxis, and financial assistance for converting old autos into electric vehicles.

Hyderabad: The autorickshaw unions called off their strike following the State Government’s assurance to increase the fares. A decision to this effect was taken after transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar along with senior officials held talks with autorickshaw union leaders on Sunday night.

As autorickshaw fares have not been increased since 2012, it was agreed to increase the fares. However, the decision on new fares will be taken after seeking a report from the stakeholders, the Minister said.

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“On its behalf, the Government will introduce an aggregator app on the lines of Ola and Uber. It will will initiate measures to launch the app in association with the IT department,” Prabhakar said.

During the meeting, the Minister said the State Government was positive towards their demands.

The government would make yellow plates mandatory for two-wheelers  transporting passengers through Rapido, Ola, Uber and others, he said.

“There are no plans to buy electric autorickshaws through TGSRTC. It is a false campaign,” Prabhakar clarified.

The Transport Minister said the Government agreed to set up the TGSRTC workers’ welfare board. To this effect, a joint meeting with representatives of the Labour department, Transport department and Autorickshaw unions would be held on September 1 to discuss measures, he added.

“As per the promise made during the elections, we will discuss the issue of Rs. 12,000 assistance for auto workers, taking into consideration the financial situation of the State. These aspects will be discussed with in the Cabinet and a positive decision will be taken,” Prabhakar announced. 

The government would provide assistance of Rs 1.50 lakh for converting old diesel and petrol autos into electric autos through retrofitting within the Hyderabad CURE Area. The government had already decided to provide subsidy for purchasing new electric autos, he added.