Autorickshaw unions welcome Telangana government’s EV retrofitment scheme - The HinduUpdated - August 16, 2026 07:02 pm IST - HYDERABADSyed Mohammed 11078Autorickshaw unions on Sunday welcomed the Telangana government’s push for environment friendly mobility of announcing financial assistance to autorickshaw drivers for either retrofitting EV kits or buying new electric autorickshaws.Telangana Auto Driver Samaikya office bearer A Sathi Reddy said that the move was a step in the right direction. “We appreciate this decision. It is aimed at reducing pollution and protect the environment. While we are happy with this, why have a cap in the first place? Instead of just 18,000 or so autorickshaws, let there be an open field. Remove this cap and it will be good for all,” he said. He, however, clarified that the proposed August 24 strike which intends to draw attention to various demands including increase in minimum fare, and per kilometre fare stands.Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) thanked Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar. They stated that while the financial assistance for either retrofitting internal combustion engine autorickshaws with the prescribed EV kit, or choosing to opt for a new electric autorickshaw gives the vehicle owner better option in terms of efficiency and economy, the process should be made simple and transparent.“Implementation must directly benefit working auto drivers. TGPWU will continue to fight for fair fares, social security and dignity of every auto and gig worker,” TGPWU president Shaik Salauddin said.Published - August 16, 2026 06:56 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }