Auto drivers in Hyderabad protest against ‘non-local’ three-wheelers

Hyderabad: Auto-rickshaw drivers staged a protest on Saturday, demanding a ban on autos from other districts operating within the city, alleging violation of transport rules and unfair competition. The demonstration, held at Moazzam Jahi Market, saw participation from several auto drivers' unions. Protesters argued that vehicles registered in other districts are not permitted to operate in the city under existing regulations, yet they continue to do so, affecting the livelihoods of local drivers.Union leaders from the Informal Labourers and Workers Federation (ILWF) highlighted disparities in registration costs, noting that fees in Hyderabad are significantly higher than those in other districts. They also reiterated their demands for a fare revision and urged the govt to fulfil promises made ahead of the assembly elections.Speaking at the protest, an auto driver said that outstation drivers increasingly rely on cab aggregators and navigation tools. "Drivers from other districts may not know the city roads, but platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido train them using Google Maps, so they manage without difficulty. An auto in Hyderabad costs around Rs 5 lakh, and permits alone cost another Rs 2 lakh. If we don't get enough rides, how are we supposed to survive?" he asked.He added that Hyderabad-registered autos can be identified by their serial numbers, typically ranging from 9 to 13, while vehicles with other numbers belong to different districts. The protest caused traffic disruptions in the surrounding areas, prompting police to divert vehicles to alternative routes to ease congestion.
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