Mumbai auto drivers are set to go on a march to the RTO on Wednesday, April 8, as auto unions across Maharashtra are planning a ‘morcha’ to Regional Transport Office (RTO) premises.
It is expected to take place primarily outside the Andheri Regional Transport Office (RTO), potentially disrupting autorickshaw services throughout the suburbs.
Union leaders have warned the agitation could disrupt autorickshaw services across the suburbs through the day, so if you depend on autos for your morning commute, school runs, or hospital visits, it’s worth making a backup plan now.
What is the reason behind protest?
The protest is against the fees associated with joining the newly established Dharmaveer Anand Dighe Maharashtra Autorickshaw and Meter Taxi Drivers Welfare Board.
According to reports, some drivers are being unofficially pressured to pay the Rs 800 fee before their fitness certificates and transport documents are processed.
To enrol in the state’s driver welfare scheme — set up roughly a year ago — each driver must pay Rs 500 as a joining fee and Rs 300 annually, totalling Rs 800 upfront.
Union leaders have condemned this practice as coercive, highlighting that no driver should be forced to pay a welfare fee to access essential services.
With an estimated 15 lakh auto drivers in Maharashtra, unions calculate the government stands to collect around Rs 120 crore from the fee — a number that has only deepened suspicion about the scheme’s true intent.
Will it affect commuters?
Commuters who rely on autorickshaws for their daily transport need to prepare for potential disruptions on April 8.
Union leaders have warned that the protest could significantly impact autorickshaw availability, especially in suburban areas.
To ensure smooth travel, commuters are advised to consider alternative transport options such as cabs, BEST buses, or the metro. Allow extra time for early appointments or arrange a ride in advance.
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