2 weeks ago
Telangana RTC Won't Operate Electric Autos, Minister Assures Unions
In Hyderabad, a big city in India, many people drive three-wheeled taxis called autorickshaws to earn money.
Some people thought the government's bus company, RTC, might buy electric autorickshaws.
That made the rickshaw drivers worried about losing their jobs.
A minister named Ponnam Prabhakar said RTC will not buy electric rickshaws.
He said the government wants to connect buses, metro trains, and railways for easier travel.
The drivers want higher fares because fuel and repair costs have gone up.
Fares have not changed since 2012.
The government will help drivers turn old rickshaws into electric ones with financial help.
It will also create a welfare board to support the drivers.
The drivers plan to go on strike starting August 23.
Transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar clarified that TGSRTC has no intention of purchasing or operating electric autorickshaws for last-mile connectivity.
The clarification came amid concerns among autorickshaw unions, which plan to strike from midnight on August 23.
The government aims to strengthen last-mile connectivity by integrating RTC, Metro Rail and Railways.
Autorickshaw fares have not been revised since 2012, and unions have been seeking a fare increase.
The Cabinet decided to provide financial assistance of up to Rs 1.5 lakh per vehicle for retrofitting petrol and diesel autorickshaws into electric vehicles.
- Who
- Telangana transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar and autorickshaw unions in Hyderabad.
- What
- The minister clarified that TGSRTC will not purchase or operate electric autorickshaws for last-mile connectivity, while the government plans retrofitting support and a welfare board.
- Where
- Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
- When
- Monday; autorickshaw unions plan to strike from midnight on August 23.
- Why
- To address union concerns over livelihoods and improve last-mile connectivity by integrating RTC, Metro Rail and Railways.
Autorickshaw Unions
State Government
Electric autos for last-mile connectivity
Autorickshaw Unions
Unions feared RTC would buy and run electric autos, threatening their livelihoods.
State Government
Minister said RTC has no plans to purchase or operate electric autos and would not jeopardise auto workers' livelihoods.
Fare revision
Autorickshaw Unions
Unions have been seeking a fare increase; fares have not been revised since 2012.
State Government
Government said it is taking into account rising fuel and maintenance costs and has discussed the issues in Cabinet.
Key facts
- Minister
- Ponnam Prabhakar
- Organization
- Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC)
- Location
- Hyderabad, Telangana
- Planned strike
- From midnight on August 23
- Last fare revision
- 2012 (nearly 14 years ago)
- Retrofit assistance
- Up to Rs 1.5 lakh per vehicle
- Government promise
- Welfare board for autorickshaw workers
- Last-mile connectivity plan
- Integration of RTC, Metro Rail and Railways
Quotes
Ponnam Prabhakar, Telangana Transport Minister
Transport minister of Telangana State
“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.”
deccanchronicle.com
“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.”],”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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