Autorickshaw unions in Telangana have welcomed the state government’s new push to promote cleaner mobility by offering financial assistance to drivers who want to retrofit existing petrol and diesel autos with electric kits or purchase new electric three-wheelers. Telangana’s EV retrofit scheme has been announced as a ₹200-crore initiative aimed at reducing urban pollution while lowering the operating costs of autorickshaw drivers.
₹1.5 Lakh Assistance for EV Conversion
Under the scheme, eligible drivers can receive financial support of up to ₹1.5 lakh per vehicle, or the actual cost of the approved conversion kit, whichever is lower. For drivers opting for a new electric autorickshaw, the ₹1.5 lakh incentive will be deducted directly from the dealer’s final on-road price after the existing ICE autorickshaw is surrendered.
The Telangana government’s EV retrofitment scheme will cover 18,766 registered petrol- and diesel-powered autorickshaws operating within Hyderabad’s Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) limits.
Retrofitted vehicles will have to use safety-tested electric conversion kits approved under AIS-123 standards. Drivers will also have flexibility to select fixed or swappable battery systems depending on their operational requirements.
Auto Unions Welcome Cleaner Mobility
Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union founder-president Shaik Salauddin described the move as a “major victory for Telangana’s auto drivers.” He said EV conversion could provide drivers with a cleaner and more economical alternative to petrol and diesel, while urging the government to keep implementation simple and transparent.
Telangana Auto Driver Samaikya office-bearer A. Sathi Reddy also welcomed the decision, calling it a step in the right direction for tackling pollution and protecting the environment.
However, he questioned the proposed vehicle limit. “Why have a cap in the first place?” he asked, urging the government to make the scheme open to all eligible autorickshaw drivers rather than restricting it to around 18,000 vehicles.
Drivers Expect Lower Running Costs
For many three-wheeler operators, the Telangana government’s EV retrofitment scheme could offer significant financial relief. Electric autos generally have lower running costs than petrol and diesel vehicles, potentially helping drivers retain more of their daily earnings amid rising fuel expenses.
The initiative is aligned with the Telangana Rising Vision-2047 and receives ₹50 crore each from the SC, ST, BC, and Minority Welfare Departments.
Despite welcoming the Telangana government’s EV retrofitment scheme, Sathi Reddy clarified that the proposed August 24 strike will go ahead. The protest is expected to focus on demands including an increase in the minimum fare and per-kilometer fare.
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