Auto-rickshaw drivers under the banner of the Rajadhani Auto Chalak Sangh held a procession from the Bhagabati Bhaban to the lower PMG here on Thursday protesting against the App-based online auto services in the city.
They demanded closure of online companies, which are providing App-based auto rickshaw services at a cheaper price. They also demanded cancellation of the licences of the e-companies so that they cannot provide the service.
“We cannot provide auto-rickshaw services at cheaper price because we do not have network business like the online companies. The operations of these online companies have affected our daily bread and butter,” said Sangh president Sura Jena.
Members of the Sangh also submitted a four-point charter of demands in this regard to the Police Commissioner.
The Sangh also held a daylong auto-rickshaw strike in the area under the Sangh’s control. “Around 25,000 auto drivers are living in Bhubaneswar. Companies like the Ola, the Uber, the Jugnoo, the City Rath and the Reliance have started hurting our income,” Jena said.