Vijayawada: Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday launched “Auto Driverla Sevalo” (in Service of Drivers) scheme. The new initiative offers ₹15,000 financial assistance to auto and cab drivers across the State.
Naidu flagged off the initiative in Vijayawada by travelling in an auto from his camp office. Deputy Chief Minister Konidala Pawan Kalyan, IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh, and BJP State President PVN Madhav joined him. These leaders also took part in the symbolic 14-kilometre journey from Undavalli to Makineni Basavapunnaiah Stadium in Singh Nagar, Vijayawada. The rally passed through major city landmarks such as Prakasam Barrage, Kaleswararao Market, Eluru Lakulu, and Muthyalampadu Government Press. The event culminated at the Kakineni Basavapunnaiah Stadium, where leaders addressed the public during a meeting.
Along the way, thousands of people thronged the streets to greet the leaders. Before boarding the autos, Lokesh draped traditional Mangalagiri handloom shawls on the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Madhav. A woman auto driver also had the distinction of ferrying Lokesh to the venue.
₹436 crore deposited into bank accounts of 2,90,669 Auto drivers
Enthusiastic beneficiaries and their families welcomed the leaders at the stadium. In a symbolic gesture, Naidu, Pawan Kalyan, Lokesh, and Madhav donned khaki shirts gifted by drivers. Two autos and a maxi cab were displayed on stage to represent the spirit of the initiative.
Naidu formally launched the scheme, confirming that ₹436 crore had already been deposited into the bank accounts of 2,90,669 drivers. Beneficiaries showcased SMS alerts on their phones as proof of receiving the aid. “If anyone has not yet received the money, we will verify eligibility and credit the amount,” the Chief Minister assured.
Key announcements: Uber-style App and welfare board
In his address, Naidu announced that the State government would soon roll out a dedicated mobile app for auto drivers, modeled on Uber. “This app will allow bookings directly. So, drivers won’t have to wait at stands. A control room and a welfare board will be set up to create future opportunities and safeguard your livelihoods,” he promised.
Naidu emphasised that the government stands with all auto, maxi cab, and cab drivers. He promised long-term welfare measures including gradual conversion of autos to electric vehicles (EVs) with government support.
Broader welfare and governance agenda
Naidu highlighted other welfare programmes implemented by the coalition, including:
- Anna Canteens, offering meals at ₹5 and nutritious mid-day meals with fine rice for children.
- Stree Shakti scheme, empowering women with financial freedom.
- Universal Health Policy, providing free health insurance and medical services up to ₹25 lakh for the poor.
On infrastructure, Naidu said that 23,000 km of roads have been repaired in the last 16 months, making them pothole-free. He contrasted this with the previous government, which he accused of neglecting infrastructure and imposing heavy fines on drivers.
He also stressed the government’s push toward green mobility, noting that 90% of vehicles in Vijayawada already run on CNG. There are plans to fully transition to electric vehicles in the future.
Naidu’s message
Reflecting on the 2024 elections, Chandrababu Naidu said, “We achieved a 94% strike rate, something I have never seen in my life. With ongoing welfare measures, that success rate will grow further.” Taking a swipe at past regimes, he said, “Sixteen months ago, governance had collapsed. Such destructive forces must never return.”
Concluding on a festive note, Chandrababu Naidu tied his message to the spirit of Dasara and Deepavali: “These festivals teach us to drive away evil forces. With double-engine governance at both the Centre and the State, only development is possible.”
Ministers Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy and Y Satya Kumar Yadav, Vijayawada MP Kesineni Chinni, and Vijayawada Central MLA Bonda Umamaheswara Rao participated in the event. It drew a massive public response.
