Mangaluru: Auto rickshaw drivers in Mangaluru staged a protest near the Clock Tower on Wednesday, highlighting multiple challenges affecting their livelihoods in Dakshina Kannada district.
The demonstration was organised under the leadership of the Karnataka State Progressive Auto Rickshaw, Tourist and Heavy Vehicle Drivers’ Union (AICCTU), drawing participation from drivers across the region.
Concerns over rising costs
Protesters voiced strong concern over the increasing cost of essential vehicle-related expenses, stating that the rise in fuel prices and maintenance costs has significantly impacted their daily earnings.
Drivers said that the growing expenses related to fuel, spare parts, and general upkeep are making it difficult to sustain their operations. Many claimed that their income has not kept pace with these rising costs, leading to financial strain.
Competition from aggregators
Another major issue raised during the protest was the increasing competition from app-based transport services. Drivers pointed to platforms such as Ola, Uber, and Namma Yatri, as well as the growing presence of bike taxi services in the city.
According to the protesters, these services are affecting traditional auto rickshaw operators by offering competitive pricing and convenience to commuters. They urged authorities to introduce measures that ensure a level playing field for all transport providers.
Drivers also expressed concern that unregulated growth of such services could further reduce their already shrinking customer base.
Issues with electric autos and licensing
The protesters criticised the permission granted to battery-operated auto rickshaws to operate across the district without what they described as proper licensing procedures.
They demanded that authorities expedite the issuance of valid licences and ensure that all vehicles comply with regulatory norms. The drivers also called for strict action against unauthorised vehicles operating with illegal or improper registration numbers.
According to the union members, lack of enforcement has led to unfair competition and has negatively impacted those operating within the legal framework.
Leadership and participation
Several union leaders addressed the gathering, including AICCTU district president Ramanna Vitla, district secretary Mohan K E, and district leader Ansar.
Also present were Dakshina Kannada Auto Drivers’ Association president Vishnumurthy, along with leaders Sandeep, Aspak, Dinesh Babu, Javid, Imtiyaz, Yogendra, George, and others.
The speakers emphasised the need for immediate intervention by the government to address the concerns of auto drivers and ensure their economic stability.
Demand for government intervention
The protesting drivers urged the authorities to take concrete steps to regulate aggregator platforms, control fuel price impacts, and enforce transport rules uniformly across all categories of vehicles.
They also called for dialogue with government officials to find practical solutions that would protect the interests of traditional auto drivers while accommodating evolving transport systems.
Conclusion
The protest highlights the growing challenges faced by auto rickshaw drivers in Mangaluru amid changing urban mobility trends. With rising operational costs and increased competition, drivers are seeking policy support and regulatory clarity.
As urban transport continues to evolve, balancing innovation with the livelihoods of traditional service providers remains a key challenge for authorities in the region.