TGPWU demands stronger measures against touting at Hyderabad’s RGI Airport
Hyderabad: The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU) has raised concerns over the ongoing issue of illegal touting at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), which continues to exploit passengers and harm the livelihoods of legitimate app-based and taxi drivers.
Shaik Salauddin, Founder President of TGPWU, stated that despite repeated representations to RGIA authorities and government officials, the problem persists due to weak enforcement and insufficient action against unauthorized operators. While acknowledging recent measures such as the deployment of 31 anti-touting personnel and public awareness campaigns, the union argues that these efforts have not been enough to address the issue.
TGPWU has called for stronger interventions, including stricter enforcement against touting, which would involve increased police surveillance, real-time monitoring, and harsher penalties for unauthorized operators. The union also highlighted the importance of raising passenger awareness, calling for more visible signages, frequent public announcements, and digital alerts to help prevent passengers from falling victim to touts.
Additionally, TGPWU has urged authorities to ensure fair treatment for app-based and taxi drivers who follow proper regulations, guaranteeing them priority access to airport rides. The union has also suggested improved pricing mechanisms through collaboration with platforms to prevent fare manipulation and protect both passengers and drivers from unfair pricing practices.
Despite these challenges, TGPWU remains committed to advocating for the rights of gig and platform workers. The union has called on RGIA management, law enforcement, and the Telangana government to take decisive action and ensure a safe and regulated transport system at the airport. They have vowed to continue engaging with authorities until concrete solutions are implemented.
Touting has become a growing issue at RGIA, with more than 100 cases registered in 2024. Police authorities are increasingly concerned about the rise in aggressive, unsolicited offers of taxi rides and other services targeting passengers.
Touting at RGIA has been linked to individuals offering unlicensed taxis, hotel bookings, and tour guide services without any official authorization. Many of these individuals use aggressive tactics to pressure travelers into accepting their offers. Victims are often misled into paying higher fares than initially agreed upon, sometimes for substandard services or non-existent ones. Police official noted that the people involved in touting usually operate without proper licenses or regulatory approval.
Several notable touting incidents at RGIA have been reported in recent months. On August 2, 2024, a complaint was filed by G. Venkataiah Goud regarding a touting incident at RGIA. Police responded to a call from RAXA Security and arrested Md Maqbool, who was found soliciting taxi rides at the D-01 parking area. One passenger, Mahipal Reddy Hanuman, was in the vehicle at the time. A case was registered under the Touting Act.
Another incident occurred on November 10, 2024, when Sridhar Reddy, a resident of Shamshabad, reported a touting incident near the “Ohm Pathway D’Parking” area. Police apprehended Shaik Fayaz, a driver from Saroor Nagar, who was found soliciting passengers. He was arrested, and a case was filed under the Touting Act.
