Auto Rickshaw Drivers Protest in Mangaluru Against Price Hike and Aggregator Companies

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Mangaluru : On March 17, 2026, the Karnataka Progressive Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Association (R), affiliated with the All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICCTU), staged a massive protest in front of the Mini Vidhana Soudha in Mangaluru. The protest was organized to highlight the severe financial distress faced by auto rickshaw drivers due to the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities and petroleum products. The workers expressed that their livelihoods are under constant threat as the rising operational costs have made it nearly impossible to sustain their daily lives.

The association raised several critical issues, specifically pointing out the challenges posed by aggregator companies like Ola, Uber, and Namma Yatri, as well as the unregulated expansion of bike taxis. They argued that these services have significantly affected the earnings of traditional rickshaw drivers. Additionally, the protesters voiced their grievances regarding the lack of adequate rickshaw parking zones in Mangaluru city and the various administrative hurdles they face at the Meter Seal Office.

Following the demonstration, a formal memorandum was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, urging the administration to intervene and address their demands. The protest saw the participation of prominent leaders, including AICCTU District President Ramanna Vitla and District Secretary Mohan K. E. Other key leaders present at the event included Ansar, Dakshina Kannada Auto Drivers’ Association President Vishnumurthy, and members Sandeep, Ashfaq, Dinesh Babu, Javed, Imtiyaz, and Yogendra George.