Autorickshaw strike hits normal life

Hyderabad, Jan 23 (UNI) Normal life was affected as over a lakh-and-a-half autorickshaws stayed off the roads in Hyderabad and Secunderabad as the drivers continued their strike for the second day today, protesting against Andhra Pradesh government's decision making digital meters compulsory to avoid tampering.

The autorickshaw drivers unions were demanding that the government scrap the G O 213, making it mandatory for installation of digital fare meters.

The union leaders said the indefinite strike would continue until the government scraps the G O, which was against the interests of the auto drivers. So far, the government has not invited them for talks to solve the problem.

The most affected were school children and visitors to the state capital, who arrived at railway and bus stations.

Though the state owned Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) was operating additional buses to cope with the rush, commuters had a tough time in reaching their destinations.

UNI