Autorickshaw unions staged a protest near Basheerbagh on Saturday to highlight their long-standing demands, including hike in metro fares.
The protest was part of a challenge by the Chalo assembly that was foiled by the police.
Office bearers of Telangana State Auto Drivers Association Joint Action Committee reiterated that the Congress government has failed to fulfill its pre-poll promises. They also said that the minimum fare has remained the same for several years.
According to JAC officials B. Venkatesham and A. Sathi Reddy, despite several statements, the current ruling exemption did not take into account the hardships faced by auto drivers.
“The price of petrol and CNG has increased. The prices of LPG have increased. In fact, the state government has increased the price of bus tickets. So we don’t understand why the minimum car fare has not been increased. It has remained the same – ₹20. We have demanded that the minimum fare be increased to ₹50,” Mr. Sathireddy said, adding that the union has been pushing to increase the fare from ₹12₹ per kilometer from ₹10.
The union also demanded better enforcement of autorickshaws registered in other districts plying on city roads. Union leaders believed this led to unfair competition with those from the city struggling to get customers. They also said that having autorickshaws registered in, say, Mahboobnagar is against the rules to carry passengers in Hyderabad.
While welfare board for gig workers is likely to become a reality soon, they too sought welfare board for autorickshaw workers, adding that their life is tough as they are forced to compete with public transport and also two-wheeler taxis.
Meanwhile, she urged the government to extend an annual financial assistance of ₹12,000 to each autorickshaw driver.
The union leaders were picked up and detained at the Musheerabad police station, after which they were released.
Published – 03 Jan 2026 20:23 IST
