AP Auto Drivers to Get Ola/Uber-Style Ride App
In a high-profile event at Basavapunnayya Stadium in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu unveiled a bold push to empower auto drivers. He announced that the state government will soon roll out a ride-booking platform modeled on popular aggregators like Ola and Uber, specifically designed for auto rickshaws, taxis, and maxi cabs. The new app, aimed at simplifying how drivers connect with riders, is expected to reduce idle time outside auto stands and help drivers secure a steady stream of customers with greater efficiency.
The CM underscored that the platform will be introduced as part of a broader effort to modernize the transportation sector in the state, while preserving the livelihoods of small drivers who form the backbone of urban mobility. The unveiling was attended by senior ministers and party leaders, and the event highlighted the government’s intent to formalize ride-hailing operations in Andhra Pradesh.
Financial Relief via DBT and Targeted Driver Support
As part of the same initiative, the government announced a substantial financial relief package. Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) has been used to deposit Rs 436 crore into the bank accounts of eligible drivers, reaching 2,90,669 beneficiaries. The transfer is designed to ease ongoing expenses such as vehicle registration renewals, fitness certificates, and maintenance costs, reducing the financial burden that often accompanies working in the informal sector.
To qualify for the annual financial assistance, drivers must have vehicles registered in Andhra Pradesh and hold valid driving licenses. The package prioritizes auto, taxi, and maxi cab drivers who meet these criteria, aligning with the government’s goal of supporting formal recognition and improved financial stability for frontline transport workers.
Expanded Stree Shakti Support for Drivers
The government also announced an expansion of the Stree Shakti scheme, which provides additional support to drivers who are women. Previously offering Rs 10,000 per year, the benefit has been increased by 50 percent, bringing the annual assistance to Rs 15,000 per eligible driver. This expansion broadens the reach of welfare measures to nearly 290,000 drivers while reinforcing the emphasis on gender-inclusive support within the transport sector.
At the event, Chief Minister Naidu, along with Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan and Minister Nara Lokesh, engaged with auto drivers and their families, signaling a serious commitment to social protection within the sector. The leadership stressed that the enhanced assistance is part of a broader mandate to uplift drivers who often face precarious working conditions.
Auto Drivers Welfare Board and EV Incentives on the Horizon
Looking ahead, the administration pledged the establishment of an Auto Drivers Welfare Board to safeguard rights, address grievances, and advocate for better working conditions. Officials indicated future plans to incentivize the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in auto fleets, outlining a roadmap to extend welfare benefits to EV-based auto services as the state builds a greener, more sustainable mobility ecosystem.
Complaint Mechanism and Grievance Redress
To ensure fairness, the government introduced a dedicated control room for complaints related to the eligibility and disbursement process. If applicants are found ineligible for funds or if there are concerns about the distribution, drivers and their families can seek resolution through this centralized mechanism. The Deputy CM and other senior leaders emphasized that the control room will be accessible and responsive to the needs of drivers across the state.
Impact on Andhra Pradesh’s Transport Landscape
Officials frame the new ride app and the accompanying financial support as a transformative step for Andhra Pradesh’s urban mobility. By enabling auto and taxi operators to secure more rides and by easing annual costs through DBT transfers and enhanced welfare schemes, the government aims to formalize a larger portion of the sector, improve driver incomes, and provide passengers with reliable, app-based services. The move also aligns with broader goals of transparency, accountability, and inclusive growth in public transportation.
What This Means for People on the Ground
For auto drivers, the combination of a government-backed ride app and steady financial support could translate into steadier earnings, reduced vehicle-related expenses, and greater bargaining power with customers. For everyday commuters, a centralized platform promises more predictable service and enhanced safety features as the state continues to expand its role in regulating and supporting the ride economy.
