Hyderabad auto drivers demand fare hike, ban on bike taxis amid rising costs
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) urges the Telangana Government and Transport Department to promptly address the longstanding demands of auto-rickshaw drivers. Many auto drivers currently face significant financial hardship and job insecurity.
Auto drivers provide essential and affordable public transport. Shaik Salauddin, Founder President of TGPWU, said that rising operational costs, unfair competition, enforcement-related harassment, and government inaction cause economic hardship for thousands of families.
Addressing unfair competition, TGPWU calls for a strict ban on bike taxi services operated by companies such as Rapido, Uber, and Ola, citing violations of transport norms and negative impacts on licensed auto-rickshaw drivers’ livelihoods. The union also urges authorities to enforce regulations against auto-rickshaws from other districts operating illegally within Hyderabad.
Ongoing increases in fuel prices, maintenance costs, insurance premiums, and living expenses make it difficult for auto drivers to sustain their livelihoods. TGPWU demands that authorities immediately increase minimum meter fares and per-kilometer rates for both meter-based and app-based auto services to ensure fair earnings.
Auto Meter and App-Based Fare Revision
2 years of Congress government in Telangana, but not a single official meeting with Auto Workers’ Unions.
Auto drivers are suffering due to illegal bike taxis, low fares, rising fuel prices, harassment through and government neglect. pic.twitter.com/q8RvlVK2f4
— Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (@TGPWU) April 25, 2026
Condemning enforcement practices, the union condemns police and transport officials for excessively issuing e-challans and harassing drivers. TGPWU also demands that authorities take strict action against the illegal use of private two-wheelers for commercial passenger transport, which violates regulations and compromises passenger safety.
TGPWU expresses disappointment that, despite two years under the Congress Government in Telangana, officials have not held any meetings with auto and gig workers’ union representatives to address their concerns.
Warning of potential unrest, the union questions why the Transport Department continues to overlook the concerns of thousands of transport workers. TGPWU warns that continued inaction may cause auto drivers across Telangana to organize large-scale protests and democratic demonstrations.
Concluding with an appeal, Shaik Salauddin, Founder President of TGPWU, urges the Chief Minister, Transport Minister, and relevant officials to promptly convene a meeting with union leaders and implement urgent measures to protect the livelihoods of auto drivers.
