- KR Bharat
- 2025-10-07
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu launched the Auto Driverla Sevalo scheme in Vijayawada, under which auto, cab, and maxi cab drivers in Andhra Pradesh will receive ₹15,000 annually as financial assistance. The scheme is intended to support over 2.9 lakh drivers whose incomes have been impacted, particularly by the “Stree Shakti” initiative that provides free bus travel for women. The government has allocated ₹436 crore for the 2025‑26 fiscal year to distribute the aid directly into the accounts of eligible beneficiaries. The launch event was held in Singh Nagar, with Naidu, deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, and other officials present.
Naidu also used the occasion to announce additional measures for driver welfare. He said a ride‑booking app would be developed for auto drivers to receive direct bookings without having to wait at stands, and a control room would be set up to support the system. He pledged to form an Auto Drivers’ Welfare Board and urged drivers to report any issues in receiving the benefit. He also highlighted infrastructure improvements like better roads and promised disciplined enforcement to reduce harassment of drivers.
