Vidarbha Auto Rickshaw Drivers Protest E-Bike Taxis, Seek Solutions

thenewsdirt
15 hours ago
6 min read

On May 5, 2025, auto rickshaw drivers in Vidarbha took to the streets of Nagpur’s Samvidhan Square to protest the Maharashtra government’s decision to legalise e-bike taxi services.

The demonstrations, which extended to Regional Transport Offices across the region on May 21, 2025, stem from fears about job security and economic stability.

The unrest highlights a clash between traditional livelihoods and modern transport solutions in Vidarbha.

Protests Across Vidarbha

On May 5, 2025, the Auto Rickshaw Union Joint Federation and the Nagpur District Auto Driver-Owner Federation organised a large protest at Samvidhan Square in Nagpur from 3 pm to 6 pm.

Hundreds of drivers, led by Mohan Das Naidu, state guide of the joint federation, Charandas Wankhede, state working president, Anand Chawre, and Mohan Bawne, gathered to demand the withdrawal of the e-bike taxi policy, labelling it “anti-auto driver.”

The unions argued that the policy threatens the livelihoods of thousands in Vidarbha, a region heavily dependent on auto rickshaw services. This Nagpur protest was a prelude to a statewide agitation planned outside all 36 Regional Transport Offices in Maharashtra.

On May 21, 2025, drivers across Vidarbha’s 11 districts, joined the statewide protest, assembling outside local RTOs.

The Joint Action Committee of Auto Rickshaw Driver-Owner Associations, which includes Vidarbha representatives, coordinated the demonstrations after finalising plans on April 27, 2025. The committee warned of intensified protests if the government does not revoke the policy by June 25, 2025.

A signature campaign, launched on May 24, 2025, seeks to gather public support to present to state authorities, amplifying the drivers’ concerns.

The protests disrupted transport services in Vidarbha, with commuters facing delays as drivers participated in the agitation.

In Nagpur, drivers carried placards and chanted slogans, drawing attention to the policy’s potential to harm their financial stability. Similar scenes unfolded in Amravati, Akola, and other districts, where drivers expressed their frustration with the government’s decision.

Reasons for the Unrest

The main concern fuelling the protests in Vidarbha is the ecnomic threat posed by e-bike taxis, which charge Rs 30-40 per trip compared to Rs 100 for auto rickshaws.

This price gap could divert passengers, reducing drivers’ earnings in a region where auto rickshaw driving is a primary income source. Vidarbha’s 11 districts have limited industrial development, leaving drivers with few alternative employment options.

The unions estimate that the policy could impact over 1.5 million auto rickshaw drivers across Maharashtra, with Vidarbha’s drivers facing heightened vulnerability due to the region’s economic challenges.

The lack of consultation with unions before the policy’s approval has deepened the unrest. Drivers in Vidarbha feel ignored by the government, which they argue implemented the policy without seeking their input.

A Joint Action Committee representative told Freepressjournal.in “We had submitted our objections to the government-appointed committee, detailing how this decision would threaten our livelihoods, but our voices were ignored.” This lack of dialogue has left drivers feeling sidelined by a decision that directly affects their income.

Regulatory differences between auto rickshaws and e-bike taxis add to the grievances. Auto rickshaws face higher costs due to fuel and maintenance, while e-bike taxis benefit from lower expenses as electric vehicles.

Unions in Vidarbha argue that motorcycles are not classified as passenger transport vehicles under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988/89, citing the Karnataka High Court’s rejection of similar policies as a legal precedent.

Concerns about unregulated e-rickshaws and app-based aggregators operating in the region further heighten fears of unfair competition, as these services face fewer regulatory constraints.

The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, approved the e-bike taxi policy in April 2025 to create 20,000 jobs, with 10,000 in Mumbai and the rest in regions like Vidarbha. The policy promotes e-bike taxis as an affordable and eco-friendly transport option, with fares lower than those of auto rickshaws. It includes safety measures, such as mandatory helmet use for riders and passengers, with provisions for women’s safety.

A Rs 10,000 subsidy for children of auto rickshaw and taxi drivers affiliated with government-certified corporations to join the e-bike taxi service, proposed by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, aims to integrate existing drivers’ families into the new system. The initiative, based on recommendations from a committee headed by Ramnath Jha, seeks to modernise transport and reduce pollution.

Potential Solutions

Several measures could balance the interests of auto rickshaw drivers, e-bike taxi operators, commuters, and environmental goals in Vidarbha. Initiating regular consultations with unions, particularly those representing Nagpur, Amravati, and other districts, could foster collaboration and address drivers’ concerns.

A joint committee with Vidarbha union representatives could ensure the region’s economic challenges are considered in policy revisions. For instance, meetings could be held bi-monthly in Nagpur to discuss fare structures and operational guidelines, ensuring drivers’ voices shape the policy’s implementation.

Establishing a regulatory framework for e-bike taxis could level the playing field. Setting minimum fare structures, such as Rs 50 per trip for e-bike taxis, could prevent undercutting auto rickshaws while maintaining affordability for commuters.

Limiting e-bike taxis to short routes, under 5 km in urban areas like Nagpur or Amravati, could reduce direct competition, allowing auto rickshaws to serve longer routes or high-demand areas like markets and railway stations.

Enforcing strict safety standards, including mandatory licensing, background checks, and helmet use, could address unions’ concerns about passenger safety, particularly in rural districts like Gadchiroli and Yavatmal.

Financial and training support could ease the transition for auto rickshaw drivers. Subsidies or low-interest loans, potentially Rs 50,000 per driver, could help Vidarbha drivers switch to electric or CNG-powered auto rickshaws, reducing operational costs and aligning with environmental goals.

Training programmes, offered through local RTOs in Nagpur and Amravati, could equip drivers to operate e-bike taxis, creating dual-income opportunities. For example, a six-week training course could teach drivers to navigate app-based platforms and maintain electric vehicles, enabling them to work in both sectors.

Integrating e-bike taxis and auto rickshaws into a complementary system could benefit all stakeholders. Designating e-bike taxis for last-mile connectivity to public transport hubs, such as Nagpur’s railway station or Amravati’s bus depots, could cater to short-trip commuters while preserving auto rickshaws for longer journeys.

In rural districts like Chandrapur, e-bike taxis could serve remote areas with limited transport, complementing auto rickshaws in urban centres. Partnerships between e-bike taxi operators and unions could create hybrid models, where drivers operate both services under a shared platform, ensuring income stability.

A pilot project in a Vidarbha district, such as Wardha or Akola, could test these measures over six months. The pilot could assess the economic impact on drivers, commuter satisfaction, and environmental benefits, with data collected on fare revenues and job creation.

A task force, including union leaders, RTO officials, and environmental experts, could monitor outcomes and recommend adjustments. If the pilot shows e-bike taxis reduce auto rickshaw earnings by 20%, fare adjustments or route restrictions could be implemented.

Public awareness campaigns, launched via local media in Nagpur and Amravati, could educate commuters about the complementary roles of both services, encouraging acceptance and reducing competition perceptions.

Vidarbha’s Role in Statewide Agitation

The protests in Vidarbha were part of a statewide movement on May 21, 2025, coordinated by the Joint Action Committee, which includes representatives from the region. Drivers gathered outside RTOs across Maharashtra, including in Mumbai, Konkan, Western Maharashtra, Marathwada, and Khandesh, but Vidarbha’s involvement highlights its distinct economic vulnerabilities.

Auto rickshaws are a lifeline for families in districts like Chandrapur and Gadchiroli, where industrial activity is limited.

The unions’ signature campaign, launched on May 24, 2025, reflects their resolve, with Vidarbha drivers actively contributing to the effort.

The unions have accused the government of overlooking the financial struggles of auto rickshaw drivers, many of whom faced setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising fuel prices and inflation have strained drivers in Vidarbha, making the e-bike taxi policy an additional challenge.

The June 25, 2025, deadline for the policy’s revocation remains critical, with drivers prepared to escalate protests if their demands are unmet. The unified actions across Vidarbha’s districts underscore the region’s collective stand against the policy.

The protests in Vidarbha mark a turning point for the region’s transport workers, as they navigate a rapidly evolving mobility landscape. The commitment of drivers, evident in their demonstrations at Samvidhan Square and RTOs, signals their resolve to protect their livelihoods.

As the June 25 deadline approaches, the ongoing standoff continues to shape the future of transport in Vidarbha.