Govt to cover Rs 1.20 lakh retrofitting cost for every auto within ORR: CM Revanth

The Telangana Congress govt has announced that it will fully bear the retrofitting costs of converting diesel autorickshaws into electric vehicles within Hyderabad’s ORR limits. CM Revanth Reddy highlighted that this move would save auto drivers nearly Rs. 10,000 monthly in fuel expenses.

Hyderabad: The cash-strapped Congress government has announced that it would bear the retrofitting charges for all diesel autorickshaws operating within the Outer Ring Road limits. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said the retrofitting cost for each auto was about Rs.1.20 lakh.

The State government would bear the entire cost for every autorickshaw, he said after flagging off buses carrying Haj pilgrims here on Friday.

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There are nearly two lakh autorickshaws in Hyderabad and a majority of them are operated by people from the minority community. Every day, auto drivers spend between Rs. 300 and Rs. 400 towards fuel costs. Converting diesel autos into electric vehicles would help drivers save nearly Rs. 10,000 every month, he said.

The State government has held discussions with five companies regarding retrofitting. Within a month or two, all modalities are expected to be finalised. Auto drivers would have to apply online for retrofitting and the State government would bear the full cost of replacing diesel engines with electric engines, he assured.

Citing the Iran war and fuel shortage, the Central government had increased airfare charges for Haj pilgrims by Rs.10,000. The Telangana government has borne the additional cost for nearly 7,000 Haj pilgrims, he said. The decision was taken after Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi and Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammed Azharuddin brought the issue to the government’s notice, he stated.

“We are not asking anything in return. As you are going to Haj, pray for the Telangana government,” Revanth Reddy urged. The Chief Minister also alerted the audience about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and speeches being made to win elections.

“We have stopped them in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Telangana. In Andhra Pradesh, they managed to enter using Chandrababu Naidu. But in Telangana, we should not allow this to happen,” Revanth Reddy said.

Stating that attempts were being made to capture Hyderabad at any cost, he said such efforts should be thwarted through a united fight.