Patna: Hundreds of auto and e-rickshaw drivers staged a protest in Patna on Wednesday, demanding the reversal of a government ban preventing them from transporting schoolchildren. Around 1,000 drivers gathered at the Gardnibagh protest site, warning of an indefinite strike if their demands were not met.
The ban, which came into effect on April 1, has sparked outrage among drivers who say they are now struggling to make a living. Pappu Yadav, president of the Auto Rickshaw Drivers Association, said the decision has affected not just the livelihoods of thousands of drivers but also middle-class families who relied on affordable transport for their children. “While auto fares ranged between Rs. 1,200 and Rs. 1,500 per month per child, school bus fares are nearly double, at Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 3,500. Many small schools in residential areas do not have buses, leaving children stranded,” he said.
On Tuesday, a meeting was held between the Auto Union and Traffic Superintendent of Police, along with the District Transport Officer and other officials. Authorities agreed to launch a one-week awareness campaign before reviewing the enforcement of the ban. However, the drivers’ union has demanded that the government reconsider its stance, arguing that autos and e-rickshaws should be allowed to operate under stricter safety standards rather than being banned outright.
The protesters have put forward an eight-point demand list, which includes permission for school transport with safety measures, a grace period to update vehicle documents, the establishment of auto stands and e-rickshaw charging stations, and the introduction of prepaid booths at major locations. They have also called for financial relief, including waiving Rs. 20,000 fines for expired permits and providing subsidies to drivers who have converted their diesel autos to CNG at personal expense.
With tensions escalating, the auto and e-rickshaw associations have warned that if their concerns are ignored, they will intensify their protest. The government now faces mounting pressure to find a solution that balances road safety concerns with the livelihoods of thousands of transport workers and the needs of parents struggling with rising school transport costs.
