Telangana Rakshana Trade Union (TRTU) and auto drivers stage a protest against GO number 263, at Dharna Chowk in Hyderabad on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. File
| Photo Credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
Auto drivers’ unions in Telangana have called off their proposed indefinite strike after holding discussions with Transport Department officials and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar on Sunday, August 23.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Auto, Cab and School Van Drivers’ Unions had announced an indefinite strike from Monday, August 24 over a 14-point charter of demands. Following talks with the government, the unions said the strike had been withdrawn after receiving assurances on several of their demands.
During the meeting, Mr. Prabhakar conveyed several decisions taken by the government on the demands raised by the auto workers’ unions and appealed to them to withdraw the strike. One of the key decisions was to constitute a welfare board for auto workers. A joint meeting involving representatives of the Labour Department, Transport Department and auto workers’ unions will be held on September 1 to discuss and finalise the modalities for the board.
The government has also agreed in principle to increase auto fares, which have not been revised since 2012. A report will be prepared on the quantum of the proposed increase, following which a Government Order will be issued. The government also decided to develop an app for auto services on the lines of Ola and Uber. The Information Technology Department will initiate the process of developing and launching the platform, said a release.
The government’s election promise of providing ₹12,000 annually to auto workers was also discussed. Mr. Prabhakar said the government would consider the State’s financial position and hold discussions with the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and other Ministers before taking a favourable decision.
The government also announced ₹1.5 lakh assistance for converting old diesel and petrol autos into electric autos through retrofitting within the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) area. It has already decided to provide a subsidy for the purchase of new autos, the Minister said, adding that promoting electric autos in Hyderabad was aimed at reducing pollution and protecting the environment.
Mr. Prabhakar also clarified that there was no proposal for the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC) to purchase electric autos and described reports to that effect as misinformation.
Published – August 24, 2026 08:01 am IST