Hyderabad’s autorickshaw drivers are turning up the pressure on officials, demanding better pay and protections in the face of rising costs and competition. Representatives from auto and app-based transport unions sat down with Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Saturday, pushing firmly for an increase to meter fares and the creation of a dedicated welfare board.

Key facts

  • Unions seek minimum fare hike to ₹40, per km rate to ₹18
  • Meeting followed up on previous discussions held September 7
  • Minister assured implementation of prior decisions and work on a welfare board

What Drivers Are Asking For

The joint action committee, which included leaders like B. Venkatesham, A. Sathireddy, M.A. Saleem, and Ajay Babu, laid out a clear request: raise the starting fare to ₹40 and set subsequent kilometer charges at ₹18. It’s a significant jump, one drivers argue is necessary to keep pace with inflation and fuel prices.

They also urged the government to restrict auto rickshaws operating in Hyderabad to those registered locally, arguing that permits should prioritize city-based drivers to meet urban transport needs fairly.

Government Response and Next Steps

Minister Prabhakar offered reassurances, noting that decisions from the September 7 meeting would be implemented soon. He confirmed the government is developing an app for the sector and working on the structure of a welfare board—a longtime ask from drivers seeking financial and health security.

He also suggested a practical path forward: a smaller weekly delegation of five union reps could meet with him regularly until these persistent issues are resolved. It’s a signal that the government is listening, even if change hasn’t arrived yet.

The minister added that remaining auto permits under Government Order No. 263 would be issued shortly, addressing one part of the drivers’ concerns about local operation rights.