Indore Auto Drivers Protest Against E-Rickshaws, Bike Taxis; Threaten Chakka Jam

In Indore, Madhya Pradesh, auto-rickshaw drivers are protesting against e-rickshaws and bike taxis, warning of a potential "chakka jam" if their demands are not met. The Bhagwa Auto Rickshaw Drivers Association staged a protest at Palasia Square, demanding designated routes for e-rickshaws and stricter regulation of bike taxis. Association president Virendra Kumar Tripathi expressed his concern about e-rickshaws encroaching on auto drivers' livelihoods, claiming that they are taking away the jobs of over 60,000 bike taxi operators.

Tripathi also criticized the lack of uniform enforcement, stating that many bike taxi operators do not wear uniforms or have yellow number plates, and that traffic violations by these vehicles often go unpenalized. He added that traditional auto drivers face frequent inspections and costly compliance expenses, with government checks costing up to Rs 3,000 and registration-related fees reaching Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000.

Lal Singh, an auto driver, described the struggle of his fellow drivers, noting that they often wait at stands for hours without finding passengers. He urged the government and authorities to enforce rules equally across all passenger transport services, emphasizing that the issue is not merely about competition but the survival of families who rely on affordable transport, which has been a part of Indore's identity for decades.