HYDERABAD, February 12, 2026 — Commuters across Telangana faced major disruptions on Thursday as auto-rickshaw drivers launched a massive statewide strike. The protest, led by the Telangana State Auto Union, aims to pressure the government into banning ride-hailing giants like Ola, Uber, and Rapido, while demanding an immediate revision of regulated meter fares.
Key Highlights of the Strike
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Widespread Impact: Services in Hyderabad, Warangal, and Nizamabad have been severely affected.
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Dual Protest: The action coincides with a nationwide Bharat Bandh called by central trade unions.
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Commuter Chaos: High demand for app-based services has led to significant surge pricing and limited availability.
Protests Escalate in Hyderabad
The heart of the protest centered on Hyderabad’s Himayath Nagar and RTC Cross Roads, where striking drivers formed human chains and blocked key intersections. In several instances, protesters were seen stopping non-participating auto-drivers from plying, prompting local police intervention to maintain traffic flow.
“We are being pushed out of our livelihoods by corporate apps that undercut our prices illegally,” said a local driver at the Himayath Nagar protest site. “The government must choose between local families and multinational corporations.”
The Union’s 4 Core Demands
The Telangana State Auto Union has submitted a formal memorandum to the Transport Department outlining the following requirements:
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Mandatory Fare Hike: An immediate increase in the base meter fare to account for the 15% rise in fuel costs and inflation over the last year.
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App-Based Ban: A total ban on Ola, Uber, and Rapido within city limits, alleging they operate under “predatory pricing” models.
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Welfare Board Establishment: A dedicated social security board to provide pensions and health insurance for unorganized transport workers.
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MV Act Repeal: The withdrawal of specific “burdening” provisions in the 2019 Motor Vehicles Act.
Commuter Outlook: Surge Pricing and Metro Crowds
Ironically, the strike has driven a massive spike in users attempting to book the very apps the drivers are protesting against. Commuters reported 3x surge pricing on Uber and Rapido during morning peak hours.
The Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) has increased the frequency of trains to accommodate the influx of passengers, though stations like Ameerpet and MGBS reported “crush-load” conditions by 9:00 AM.
Context: A Growing Global Conflict
This strike follows a similar protest on February 7 by gig workers, highlighting a fractured transport ecosystem. While traditional drivers want the apps gone, gig workers are fighting for “minimum floor fares” and employee status. The Telangana government has yet to issue an official statement regarding today’s disruptions.
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