Autos On Strike

Just when we thought the roads couldn't get any busier, the autos (auto rickshaws) have decided to go on strike! There are over 100,000 autos in Hyderabad and because the Government in Andhra Pradesh are forcing them to switch from mechanical to digital meters (to reduce the possibility of the meter being tampered with), they have decided to take their little three wheelers off the road in protest. As of today about 20% of the 100,000 have begun working again, but on Friday (Republic Day) there is to be a state-wide strike in support of the Hyderabad automen. The Government have put on an extra 500 buses as a result, but this has only served to cause even more congestion.

The strike has also meant that the autos who are operating, are charging through the roof even on small distances. Andi had to pay 4 times what it should cost to take her back from the World Vision office to home. (Actually on the way there she had to walk for a few miles and then managed to get the bus for the rest of the journey, which was another interesting experience!).