Telangana Auto Workers Call Off Strike After Government Assures Action On Key Demands

The proposed indefinite strike by auto-rickshaw workers across Telangana has been called off following successful talks between auto workers’ unions and the state government. The government thanked the unions for responding to its appeal and assured them that it was positively inclined towards addressing their demands.

The development followed Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar’s appeal to auto workers to withdraw the strike and resolve their concerns through dialogue. The government said several measures had been agreed upon during the discussions, covering fares, welfare, regulation and the transition to electric vehicles.

A key decision is the government’s approval for an increase in auto fares. Officials said fares have not been revised since 2012. A report will be prepared to determine the appropriate hike, after which a Government Order (GO) will be issued.

The government has also agreed to establish a welfare board for auto workers. A joint meeting involving the Labour Department, Transport Department and auto workers’ unions will be held on September 1 to discuss policies and other issues concerning the sector.

The state will also initiate the process of developing a government-backed ride-hailing app similar to Ola and Uber. The IT Department will take steps towards launching the platform to provide an alternative digital service for auto drivers and passengers.

On app-based two-wheelers operated through Rapido, Ola and Uber, the government said a decision would be taken to allow passenger transportation only by vehicles with yellow registration plates, subject to applicable rules.

The government will further consider the demand for Rs 12,000 financial assistance for auto workers, a promise made during the previous elections. The issue will be discussed with the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Cabinet Ministers, taking into account the state’s financial position, with the government indicating a positive approach.

To reduce pollution in Hyderabad, the government has decided to provide up to Rs 1.50 lakh assistance for retrofitting old petrol and diesel autos into electric vehicles within the Hyderabad CURE area limits. Subsidies for purchasing new autos have also been approved.

Officials clarified that RTC has no proposal to purchase electric autos, terming such reports misinformation.

Earlier, Ponnam had also assured that eligible rural auto workers would be facilitated in accessing welfare benefits such as ration cards, free electricity and free bus travel.

The discussions were held with union representatives by Transport Department Commissioner Ilambarthi, Joint Transport Commissioner Ramesh, and JTCs Chandrashekar Goud, Shiva Lingayya and Venkata Raman. The government said the outcome reflected its commitment to resolving genuine concerns through dialogue rather than strikes.