Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has announced the launch of a state-backed ride-booking app specifically designed for auto rickshaw drivers, aiming to level the playing field against private platforms like Uber and Rapido. The initiative, revealed during the launch of the ‘Auto Driverla Sevalo’ scheme on October 4, 2025, will enable direct bookings through a dedicated mobile app, supported by a control room to minimize waiting times at stands. For urban commuters, drivers, and tech policy enthusiasts searching Andhra Pradesh auto rickshaw app, CM Naidu ride-booking launch 2025, or Auto Driverla Sevalo scheme, this move—benefiting over 2.9 lakh auto, cab, and maxi cab drivers with Rs 15,000 annual financial aid—seeks to enhance livelihoods impacted by the ‘Stree Shakti’ free bus travel for women. The government will disburse Rs 436 crore for FY25-26 directly into bank accounts, fostering a sustainable ecosystem amid rising competition from app-based services. The app’s development is underway, with a pilot expected in Vijayawada and Guntur soon, potentially expanding statewide by early 2026.
This scheme, part of the NDA alliance’s welfare push, addresses earnings erosion for drivers while promoting digital inclusion in transportation.
App Features: Direct Bookings and Control Room Support
The proposed app will streamline operations for auto drivers, integrating GPS tracking, fare estimation, and real-time matching to reduce idle time.
- Direct Booking: Users can hail autos via the app, bypassing private aggregators’ commissions.
- Control Room: Centralized monitoring to optimize routes and dispatch, minimizing wait times.
- Integration with Sevalo: Drivers receive aid notifications and performance incentives.
- Safety Measures: SOS buttons, ride sharing, and verified user profiles.
Naidu emphasized: “The app will help drivers withstand competition from Uber and Rapido, ensuring they get bookings directly.”
| Feature | Benefit | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| GPS Tracking | Faster Matching | App-Based |
| Fare Estimation | Transparent Pricing | Real-Time |
| SOS Button | Enhanced Safety | Integrated |
| Aid Notifications | Welfare Access | Linked to Sevalo |
Sevalo Scheme: Rs 15,000 Annual Aid for 2.9 Lakh Drivers
Launched alongside the app announcement, ‘Auto Driverla Sevalo’ provides Rs 15,000 yearly financial assistance to 2.9 lakh drivers, offsetting earnings losses from free women’s bus travel.
- Eligibility: Auto, cab, and maxi cab drivers registered with RTOs.
- Disbursement: Rs 436 crore for FY25-26, directly to bank accounts.
- Welfare Board: New body to address driver issues, including insurance and training.
The scheme, attended by Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, underscores the government’s focus on gig workers.
Economic and Social Impact: Empowering Local Transport
The app and scheme could:
- Boost Incomes: Reduce dependency on aggregators’ 20-25% commissions.
- Create Jobs: Control room and tech support for 500+ roles.
- Digital Inclusion: UPI integration for seamless payments.
With Andhra’s 3 lakh autos, the initiative targets 50% adoption by 2026.
Conclusion: AP’s Driver-Centric Mobility Push
Andhra Pradesh’s ride-booking app for auto rickshaws is a timely empowerment tool, paired with Rs 15,000 aid under Sevalo. As pilots launch, it could redefine urban transport. For drivers, it’s a lifeline—will it outpace Uber? The wheels turn. The hindu
