Autos called it, govt talked it down
Unions scrap planned indefinite strike after meeting Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar. Welfare board promised; fares, EV push and a state-backed app move to the “committee” pile.
The strike was withdrawn after assurances, with fares and other measures left for further consideration.
Telangana’s auto unions dropped their announced indefinite strike from midnight on August 23 after what Akashvani called “successful talks” with Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and Transport Department officials. The withdrawal came with assurances, not orders. According to the government broadcaster, the state promised to set up a welfare board for auto workers and said a joint meeting with Labour and Transport would be held on September 1 to finalise its rules.
Fares — unchanged since 2012 per the minister’s remarks reported by Akashvani — will be examined first, with any hike to follow a report and an order. The government also flagged support of up to ₹1.50 lakh per eligible auto to retrofit or buy electric vehicles in Hyderabad’s CURE area, and floated a state-backed ride-hailing app to counter the private platforms. A ₹12,000 benefit remains under consideration and tied to the state’s finances, by the minister’s own account.
One thing the minister did settle: reports that TSRTC would buy and run e-autos were “false and mere propaganda”. The delivery test lands on September 1 — committees don’t move commuters, orders do.