Auto drivers oppose issuance of new permits in Valparai
The HinduOver 60 autorickshaw drivers from Valparai, affiliated with the CITU- affiliated Coimbatore Auto Rickshaw Workers’ Association, staged a protest at the Coimbatore Collectorate on Monday, opposing the issuance of new permits to operate autos in the region. According to P. Paramasivam, an auto driver, Valparai, a hilly town spanning approximately 2 km in Coimbatore district, is already facing a severe shortage of parking space for autorickshaws. He added, “The town’s population has significantly decreased over the years, and rising fuel prices and free bus travel for women have made it increasingly difficult for autorickshaw drivers to sustain their livelihood.” The protesters highlighted that most tea estate workers in Valparai, who earned low wages, rarely used autorickshaw services, further limiting the income opportunities for drivers. Additionally, the lack of designated parking spaces had forced many drivers to park their vehicles along roadsides, leading to operational challenges.
Discover Related
