Auto-Rickshaw Drivers Protest Against Electric Vehicle Entry in Dakshina Kannada

Auto-rickshaw drivers, under the leadership of their unions, staged a protest on Thursday, August 29, against the district administration’s decision to permit electric auto-rickshaws to operate across Dakshina Kannada. The protest included a march from Jyoti Circle to Clock Tower.

CITU leader Sunil Kumar Bajal addressed the crowd, stating, “The deputy commissioner’s (DC) order allowing electric auto-rickshaws throughout Dakshina Kannada is discriminatory and should be revoked. This decision has severely impacted the livelihood of auto-rickshaw drivers. We demand that the DC either come to the spot or send an official representative. Until then, we will not leave.” Bajal further alleged that the decision, supposedly based on a union government directive, is only being enforced in Dakshina Kannada and not in neighboring Udupi, suggesting potential backdoor deals with the electric auto-rickshaw supply company.

Union leaders such as Ashoka Shetty, Bharat, Mohammed Ansar, and Lokesh Ballalbagh also participated in the protest. Due to the large number of auto-rickshaws off the road, passengers faced significant inconvenience, with only a few electric auto-rickshaws available for service.

As the protest continued, the drivers warned of further agitation if their demands were not met, raising concerns about the future of public transportation in the district.

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