Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday unveiled the “Auto Driverla Sevalo” scheme in Vijayawada, a new welfare program aimed at supporting over 2.9 lakh auto rickshaw, cab, and maxi cab drivers across the state. Under this scheme, each registered driver will receive annual financial assistance of ₹15,000 directly into their bank accounts.
The state government has allocated ₹436 crore for the 2025-26 fiscal year to fund this initiative. The move comes in response to growing concerns from transport workers that their earnings have been affected by the “Stree Shakti” initiative, which offers free bus travel for women on select Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation routes.
A Promise Fulfilled
Speaking at the launch event held at Singh Nagar in Vijayawada, Naidu called the scheme a “festival of relief” for hardworking drivers. He assured that no eligible driver would be left out, saying, “If any of you do not receive this benefit, report it to us. We will take responsibility to ensure everyone gets their due.”
The Chief Minister emphasized that the government is committed to improving the lives of daily wage earners and small-scale workers. “Drivers work tirelessly in tough road conditions. Their bodies get exhausted, and their earnings are often eaten up by vehicle maintenance costs,” Naidu said.
He added that the state has already spent ₹3,400 crore repairing 23,000 kilometers of roads and assured that soon “there will be no potholes in Andhra Pradesh.”
Focus on Welfare and Modernisation
Naidu underlined that the state government’s broader goal is to combine welfare with long-term economic development. He announced that all public transport vehicles in the state will gradually transition to electric models. “We want to make Andhra Pradesh the leader in sustainable transport, and drivers will play a key role in that journey,” he said.
The Chief Minister also promised to withdraw a government order related to heavy fines on drivers but urged them to follow traffic rules. He said CCTV surveillance will ensure discipline and transparency. “Your disciplined nature will lead to the development of tourism and improvement of law and order,” Naidu added.
Digital Push for Drivers
Acknowledging the challenges faced by auto drivers due to the rise of app-based services like Uber and Rapido, Naidu announced plans for a government-backed app exclusively for autorickshaw drivers. The app will allow drivers to receive bookings directly from passengers and will be supported by a control room designed to reduce waiting times.
To further strengthen driver welfare, the state will set up an Autorickshaw Drivers’ Welfare Board. Naidu encouraged drivers to become ambassadors of development by informing passengers about the government’s efforts and welfare initiatives.
A Vision for Inclusive Growth
Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, IT Minister Nara Lokesh, and Vijayawada MP K Sivanath joined Naidu at the event. In a symbolic gesture, Naidu, Kalyan, and Lokesh arrived at the venue in autorickshaws, signaling solidarity with the driver community.
The Chief Minister urged drivers to focus on their children’s education, promising that his government’s reforms would create better opportunities for future generations. “We are not just helping you today,” he said. “We are building a future where every hardworking citizen has dignity, opportunity, and stability.”
With the “Auto Driverla Sevalo” scheme, the Andhra Pradesh government aims to combine financial support, digital empowerment, and infrastructural upgrades — reaffirming its commitment to inclusive development and grassroots welfare.
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