Auto Rickshaw Drivers In AP Stage Protest Over Pending Demands

At the protest rally held in Paravada on Sunday, CITU Anakapalle district vice-president Gani Shetty Satyanarayana, said that many auto-rickshaw drivers, unable to make out living from farming, have taken loans to purchase vehicles to support their families. With the scheme set to be launched on August 15, he cautioned that reduced passenger bargaining could lead to income loss.

“We are not against free bus travel,” Satyanarayana clarified, adding, “But the promises made to auto-rickshaw workers during elections should be honoured.” The CITU’s demands include an annual support of RS 25,000 under the Vahana Mitra scheme, reduction in VAT on fuel, repeal of GO no. 21 (2019), lower penalties as well as insurance premiums, interest-free loans up to Rs 4 lakh, designated parking spaces and removal of ATS fitness track requirements.

The union also demanded establishment of a welfare board and a central law to protect auto-rickshaw drivers.
Meanwhile, the APSRTC Staff and Workers’ Federation, affiliated with CPI(M), welcomed the Free Bus Travel scheme, stating it would empower women and boost education and workforce participation.

Federation president Ch. Sundaraiah praised the initiative but raised concerns over the lack of clarity on fund allocation and infrastructure readiness. The federation demanded a special law to implement the scheme, the immediate issuance of government orders for funding and assurances regarding the purchase of buses and recruitment of staff. It also opposed the government’s decision to allocate valuable RTC lands in Vijayawada to multinational Lulu companies for mall construction. Both the unions emphasised the need for transparent governance and inclusive planning.