Now Reading: Auto drivers call off strike after minister’s fare revision assurance
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Auto drivers call off strike after minister’s fare revision assurance
Auto drivers in Chennai called off their hunger strike on Thursday, 15 October 2026, after Transport Minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban assured them that auto-meter fares would be revised before Deepavali. The assurance came during talks at the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) headquarters, where the minister met representatives of more than 20 trade unions.
The strike was part of statewide protests against the Vettri Payanam scheme, which drivers claim is eating into their revenues. Protests were held in Kundrathur and Uthukottai, while police denied permission for a rally in Tiruchy, drawing condemnation from drivers.
A Jahir Hussain, executive president of Urimai Kural Drivers' Union, said the minister also promised to address other livelihood-related demands in phases. The minister also received a petition from the son of Ibrahim, an auto driver who died by suicide, and assured him it would be looked into.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The fare revision assurance before Deepavali gives drivers a concrete timeline, but the core grievance, loss of revenue to Vettri Payanam, remains unresolved. The minister’s promise to take demands to the Chief Minister leaves the fate of other livelihood issues open. The suicide of driver Ibrahim and the denial of rally permission in Tiruchy add pressure on the government. How the state balances the scheme's rollout with driver welfare will be tested by the Deepavali deadline.
Source: dtnext.in
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
