Auto-rickshaw and app-based transport unions have met with Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar to demand a hike in meter fares and the establishment of a dedicated welfare board.

  • Demand to increase minimum auto fare to ₹40 and per-kilometer rate to ₹18.
  • Government assurance regarding the formation of a Welfare Board for drivers.
  • Request to ban non-Hyderabad registered autos from operating within city limits.

In a concerted effort to secure better livelihoods, autorickshaw drivers and app-based transport unions in Hyderabad held a high-level meeting with Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Saturday. This meeting served as a critical follow-up to previous discussions held on September 7, emphasizing the urgency of the drivers' grievances.

Representing the Joint Action Committee (JAC), leaders including B. Venkatesham, A. Sathireddy, M.A. Saleem, and Ajay Babu presented a formal plea for a fare overhaul. The unions are advocating for the minimum fare to be raised to ₹40, with subsequent kilometers billed at ₹18, citing the rising cost of living and vehicle maintenance.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this friction highlights a growing gap between regulatory pricing and actual operational costs in urban transit. The demand for a Welfare Board indicates a shift from mere wage disputes toward a demand for systemic social security for gig and informal transport workers.

The integration of traditional auto-services with app-based ecosystems requires a balanced regulatory framework to prevent the economic exploitation of drivers.

Minister Prabhakar responded positively, stating that the decisions reached during the September 7 meeting would be implemented shortly. Furthermore, he confirmed that the government is actively working on the modalities to establish a welfare board specifically for autorickshaw workers to provide them with health and retirement benefits.

A significant point of contention remains the influx of vehicles from outside the city. The JAC urged the government to prohibit the operation of autos registered in districts other than Hyderabad, arguing that local permit holders should be prioritized to manage the city's transit needs. The Minister assured the delegation that pending permits under Government Order No. 263 would be issued in the near future.

To ensure a transparent and continuous dialogue, the Minister suggested the formation of a small five-member delegation to meet him weekly. This mechanism is intended to resolve pending issues incrementally without the need for strikes or protests.

Did You Know?: The 'last-mile connectivity' provided by autos is considered the backbone of Hyderabad's public transport, bridging the gap between Metro stations and residential hubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are the specific fare demands made by the unions?
The unions are demanding a minimum fare of ₹40 and a rate of ₹18 for every subsequent kilometer.

Q2: What new digital initiative is the government planning?
The government is in the process of developing a dedicated app for the auto sector to streamline operations.