Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will launch the ‘Auto Drivers’ sevalo’ (in the service of auto drivers) scheme, under which a financial assistance of ₹15,000 per year will be distributed to eligible auto-rickshaw and cab drivers, here on October 4, 2025 (Saturday).

Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, IT Minister N. Lokesh, and BJP State president P.V.N. Madhav will participate in the event. The government has identified a total of 2,90,669 beneficiaries, into whose bank accounts a sum of ₹436 crore will be credited.

An official release said the previous (YSRCP) government had given ₹10,000 annually to auto and cab drivers. Considering their hardship, the coalition NDA government would be giving 50% more, i.e. ₹15,000.

The number of beneficiaries during the YSRCP term was 2,61,516. Of the total 2,90,669 identified beneficiaries, 2,25,621 are auto-drivers, 38,576 three-wheeler passenger vehicle drivers, 20,072 motor cab drivers, and 6,400 maxi cab drivers. Visakhapatnam district has the highest number of beneficiaries at 22,955 drivers.

The press release further said that distribution of financial assistance to auto drivers was not part of the TDP election manifesto.

“However, the NDA government has decided to support them keeping in view the impact of the ‘Mahila Shakti’ free bus travel scheme on their livelihood. Besides, the coalition government has drastically reduced the green tax on old vehicles and eased the burden of repairs by improving the condition of roads at a cost of ₹1,000 crore,” the release added.

It was further mentioned that the government issued instructions that no eligible auto- rickshaw / cab driver should be left out of the scheme.

To enlist any such drivers, whose name does not figure in the list of beneficiaries, a dedicated WhatsApp-based grievance redress system has been set up. To avail of the scheme, the drivers should hold valid driving licence and vehicle registration in Andhra Pradesh.