Hyderabad, Aug 2026 : With autorickshaw drivers across Telangana preparing to launch an indefinite strike from Sunday midnight, Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar Goud has appealed to the drivers to withdraw their proposed agitation, assuring them that the government is willing to address their concerns through dialogue.
The minister said issues faced by auto workers, including their long-standing demand for an increase in fares, would be examined and resolved through consultations. He stressed that strikes would not provide a lasting solution and urged representatives of the auto-driving community to engage with the government.
“Problems cannot be solved through strikes. The government is ready to show solutions to problems through discussions,” Prabhakar said while speaking to media persons in Siddipet district.
The Transport Minister said the state government had decided to establish a dedicated welfare board for autorickshaw workers. The Cabinet has already approved the proposal, and the government will now formulate the necessary rules and take steps to formally constitute the board.
Prabhakar also announced that the government was considering financial assistance of up to Rs 1.50 lakh per vehicle to help auto drivers convert conventional petrol, diesel and gas-powered autorickshaws into electric vehicles.
He said the government recognised the financial difficulties faced by auto drivers and wanted to ensure that the transition towards cleaner transportation did not place an additional burden on them. Incentives would be provided for retrofitting existing vehicles, while support would also be extended to those who scrap old autorickshaws and purchase new electric ones.
According to the minister, the initiative is aimed at reducing pollution, particularly in Hyderabad, while gradually increasing the number of electric autorickshaws operating in the city. The government plans to phase out conventional petrol, diesel and gas-powered autos and promote electric alternatives.
Addressing the demand for higher fares, Prabhakar noted that autorickshaw fares in Telangana had not been revised since 2015. He said rising fuel prices, increasing vehicle costs and higher maintenance expenses had significantly affected the earnings of auto drivers.
To examine the issue comprehensively, the government will constitute a special committee comprising representatives of auto workers, Transport Department officials and other relevant stakeholders. The panel will assess the financial and operational challenges faced by drivers before recommending an appropriate fare structure.
The minister also said the government would examine the concerns of auto workers in rural areas. Since their financial circumstances differ from those of drivers in urban centres, the government is studying policies that can provide them with greater support.
He added that eligible families of auto workers would also be considered for various welfare schemes being implemented by the state. These could include benefits related to ration cards, free electricity, free bus travel and other government welfare programmes.
Prabhakar reiterated that the government was committed to resolving the legitimate concerns of the auto-driving community and said it had demonstrated the same approach while addressing issues raised by employees of the Road Transport Corporation.
He appealed to auto drivers to reconsider the proposed strike, assuring them that the government would work with their representatives to find practical solutions while strengthening welfare measures for the community.
