RTC Won’t Run EV Autos for Last-Mile Connectivity, Says Ponnam
Minister speaks as auto unions prepare for a strike from midnight on August 23
Hyderabad: Transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Monday clarified that the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) has no intention of purchasing or operating electric autorickshaws as part of its last-mile connectivity initiative, amid concerns among autorickshaw unions.
He said the government’s objective was to strengthen last-mile connectivity by integrating existing public transport systems, including RTC, Metro Rail and Railways, to provide seamless and comfortable travel for passengers from the time they leave home until they return. “RTC has no plans that would jeopardise the livelihoods of auto workers and the RTC would not be purchasing electric autos," the minister said.
Speaking at the Ministers' Quarters on Monday, as autorickshaw unions prepared to strike from midnight on August 23, Prabhakar said the government was committed to resolving issues faced by autorickshaw drivers.
“The issues faced by autorickshaw drivers had already been discussed in the Cabinet. The transport department would discuss with the labour department to take measures to resolve all outstanding issues.”
The minister said a welfare board would be established as soon as possible, fulfilling the government's promise regarding the welfare of autorickshaw workers.
Prabhakar said autorickshaw unions had been seeking a fare increase. Autorickshaw fares were last increased in 2012, and there had been no revision for nearly 14 years. He said the government was taking into account the difficulties faced by autorickshaw workers due to rising petrol, diesel and vehicle prices, as well as increasing maintenance costs.
The minister said the Cabinet had decided to provide financial assistance of up to Rs 1.5 lakh per vehicle for retrofitting existing petrol and diesel autorickshaws into electric vehicles, keeping the welfare of autorickshaw workers in mind.
