Autorickshaws, cabs to go on strike in Hyderabad on Friday demanding solutions to their problems

HYDERABAD: In a bid to draw the attention of the government on the challenges faced by thousands of auto and cab drivers in Hyderabad, the Telangana Autorickshaw & Taxi Union (TATU), will go on a strike on Friday.

President of the union Vemula Maraiah announced here on Thursday that as part of the strike, all autorickshaws, vans, and cabs were requested to cease operations.

Maraiah emphasised the need for the government to resolve the grievances faced by drivers that prompting the decision to organise the strike. He called upon all drivers to join a grand autorickshaw rally, set to take place on Friday at 10 am. The rally will commence from Sundarayya Vigyan Kendram in Baglingampally and culminate at Narayanaguda Chowrasta.

Also Read: Free bus scheme: Autorickshaw bandh on February 15, rally from Indira Park to Assembly

With demands for better working conditions, increased fares, and improved regulations, the autorickshaw and cab drivers hoped to be called for talks by the authorities concerned. By temporarily halting their operations, they aimed to draw the attention of all to the underlying issues and seek necessary measures to address them.

The TATU had been instrumental in advocating for the rights of drivers. Their continuous efforts have resulted in positive changes in the past, benefitting the entire transportation ecosystem in Hyderabad, claimed Maraiah.

Also Read: Free bus scheme: Two autorickshaw drivers die by suicide taking toll to 17

Meanwhile, Demanding justice for the autorickshaw drivers whose livelihood was impacted by the Congress Government’s free bus scheme for women, the Telangana Auto Drivers Joint Action Committee decided to organise an autorickshaw bandh on February 15. JAC state convenor Amanullah Khan addressing media here in Hyderguda on Sunday said that the Government must come forward to solve the problems faced by the beleaguered autorickshaw drivers. “The drivers who are unable to repay the huge loans taken to purchase autorickshaws are committing suicide. Some of them are torching their vehicles in distress,” Amanullah said.