Mangaluru: Auto drivers protest fuel price hike, app-based competition and illegal E-autos

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 19, 2026: Auto rickshaw drivers staged a protest near the Clock Tower in the city under the leadership of the Karnataka State Progressive Auto Rickshaw, Tourist and Heavy Vehicle Drivers’ Union (AICCTU), condemning the issues faced by drivers in Dakshina Kannada district.

The drivers said they are struggling due to the rising cost of daily-use vehicle essentials and the increase in petroleum product prices. They also expressed concern over growing competition in Mangaluru from bike taxis and aggregator platforms like Ola, Uber, and Namma Yatri, urging authorities to address these issues.

Auto drivers protest

The protesters further criticised the permission granted to battery-operated auto rickshaws to operate across the district without proper licences. They demanded that licences be issued at the earliest and called for strict action against unauthorised vehicles operating with illegal registration numbers.

AICCTU district president Ramanna Vitla, district secretary Mohan K E, district leader Ansar, Dakshina Kannada Auto Drivers’ Association president Vishnumurthy, and leaders Sandeep, Aspak, Dinesh Babu, Javid, Imtiyaz, Yogendra, George, and others were present during the protest.

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