Gig Workers Warn of Losses From KBR Detours

Hyderabad:Cab drivers, bike-taxi riders and delivery workers fear that the one-way traffic system around KBR Park could mean longer detours, lower earnings, fare disputes and missed delivery timers once it comes into force on Tuesday. Workers who make repeated trips through Banjara Hills, Jubilee Hills and Film Nagar said every extra kilometre affects their income.

“The fare is the main issue. If Google Maps is not updated with the new route, the suggested fare will be lower. The driver will then have to travel a longer distance, and when the fare increases, the driver will be blamed,” said Shaik Salauddin, founder-president of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU).

The traffic map gives motorists 13 exits and 10 lane-changer points around KBR. Traffic from NFCL-Panjagutta towards Road No. 45 and Cable Bridge can no longer take the direct right at NTR Bhavan, and the right turn from Road No. 45 towards Film Nagar is also restricted. Such changes add distance even when pickup and destination are close.

Salauddin said the same problem affects delivery workers through timers rather than fares. “Rapido uses timers for deliveries. If the route becomes longer and they are delayed, they can lose out on wages,” he said.

Gig workers said the loss could accumulate because they cross the corridor repeatedly. “Earnings might take a hit because of longer routes and detours, apart from the possibility of getting stuck in traffic,” said Jitendra K.

Cancellations are another worry. “Cancellations might increase, and if maps show wrong turns we will have to go round and round. No one will compensate us. Customers are already impatient, and delays could affect our ratings,” said Kumar.

Cab driver Ravi Poshala expected congestion to worsen. “Traffic will increase tenfold. People already get stuck at that signal. If one side of the one-way gets blocked, the other road will get completely stuck too,” he said.