Telangana transport strike to begin Monday over worker demands

Private transport operators across Telangana, including autorickshaw, cab, and school van drivers, are scheduled to launch an indefinite strike starting Monday. The protest is organized by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) to demand that the state government address several long-standing grievances.

Key demands from the transport workers include the immediate establishment of a welfare board for auto-rickshaw and private transport workers, an annual financial assistance of Rs 12,000, and accident insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh. JAC leader Arla Sathireddy highlighted the severity of the drivers' financial distress, alleging that government policies have contributed to approximately 200 driver suicides in the state over the last three years.

The strike is expected to cause significant disruption to daily commutes and last-mile connectivity, particularly in Hyderabad. In response to the potential lack of transport, some parents have called for school holidays to accommodate students who rely on three-wheelers for commuting, though some schools are maintaining schedules due to ongoing formative assessments.