Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada   

Autorickshaw drivers stage dharna

Staff Reporter

APSRTC shuts enclosure meant for auto-drivers at PNBS Andhra Pradesh Road Transport Corporation's move to shut the enclosure meant for autorickshaw drivers opposed

VIJAYAWADA : Opposing the move of the officials of Andhra Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) to shut the enclosure meant for autorickshaw drivers at Pandit Nehru Bus Station (PNBS), the drivers staged a dharna at the arrival block of the bus station on Tuesday.

The officials had allocated space for a police outpost and for auto-rickshaw drivers near the arrival block. The drivers have been using the enclosure to relax and wait for the passengers.

Trouble erupted when the officials decided to close the enclosure with an iron mesh, as part of ongoing efforts to spruce up the bus station.

Auto Workers Union, affiliated to the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), which has its stand near the enclosure, vehemently opposed the proposal and submitted memoranda to all the officials concerned urging them to leave it for auto-rickshaw drivers.

Heated exchange

A few drivers at the enclosure entered into a wordy duel with rural manager of APSRTC Adam Saheb, when he, along with a few officials, visited the enclosure in the morning. The drivers contended they would have no shelter on the bus station premises if the enclosure was done away with.

Irked by the remarks reportedly made by an official against the drivers, the latter staged dharna at the enclosure. CITU city secretary Muzaffar Ahmed demanded the enclosure be kept open for the convenience of auto-rickshaw drivers.

Assurance given

The drivers withdrew their agitation following an assurance from Mr. Saheb that the issue would be discussed again with the higher ups. Mr. Ahmed, however, said the drivers would intensify their agitation if the road transport corporation management did not withdraw the proposal.

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