Chennai auto drivers will hold a candlelight rally towards Fort St George on October 13, demanding a revision of fares and regulation of app-based aggregators amid growing concerns over rising operating costs and declining earnings.
The rally, organised by a federation of auto drivers’ unions, will begin near the old Chitra theatre on Langs Garden Road in Egmore at 3 pm and proceed towards the Secretariat, S Balasubramaniam, coordinator of the All Auto Workers’ Trade Union Federation, said.
The protest follows the death of auto driver Mohammed Ibrahim. The federation said he had ended his life over the hardships faced by drivers. The claim was made by the federation in connection with the rally and its wider demands.
Balasubramaniam said auto fares had not been revised since 2013, even as fuel and spare parts costs had increased. Drivers also face higher expenses for insurance, permits and vehicle fitness certificates, he said.
The federation has also raised concerns over the growing role of app-based aggregators, including Ola, Uber and Rapido. According to Balasubramaniam, the platforms have captured a substantial share of the business, while authorities have failed to curb what he described as alleged overcharging by aggregators.
The dispute reflects the pressure on Chennai’s autorickshaw sector, which operates between regulated fares, rising vehicle ownership and maintenance costs, and changing commuter habits. Drivers have said that competition from app-based services and two-wheeler taxis has reduced the number of conventional auto trips and weakened earnings.
Balasubramaniam also said public transport concessions and the growing use of two-wheeler taxis had affected drivers’ incomes. Some drivers had been forced to leave the profession because of the financial strain, he claimed.
The federation is seeking action from Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on several issues. Its demands include a revision of auto fares, a ban or regulation of two-wheeler taxis, steps to curb alleged corruption at welfare offices and an end to what it described as harassment of drivers by officials.
According to the federation, it has submitted petitions and organised protests on these demands but has been ignored by successive governments. The October 13 march is intended to bring the issue directly to the state administration at the Secretariat.
