'Hum Aapke Saath Hai': 300 cabs to offer free service in city on 31 Dec to prevent drunk driving

Hyderabad: Are you attending a party tonight to celebrate the new year? Do you intend to drink? After drinking, are you concerned about driving or finding a ride home?

Do not fret! The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and Telangana Four-Wheeler Drivers Association (TGFWDA) have released campaigns to prevent drunk driving. On New Year's Eve, around 300 cabs will be ready to take people who are intoxicated to their homes as part of the "Don't Drink and Drive" and "#HumAapkeSaathHai" campaigns.

On 31 December, from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., a free taxi service will be provided in the Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda city limits.

People can call 9177624678 to hail a ride.

"We have been working on this initiative since 2017. Several people have contacted us to request cab services following celebrations. Many people drive to the place and then contact us after the celebration. They tend to leave their vehicle and then collect it later," said Shaik Salauddin, state president of TGFWDA and TGPWU.

"We recognise how harmful drunk driving is. It is also pertinent to note that many people may find it difficult to book a cab when inebriated," he warned.

This campaign has been initiated by organisations to combat drunk driving on New Year's Eve. The "Hum Aapke Saath Hai" campaign was launched to urge the citizens of Hyderabad to enjoy the Christmas season properly.

Last year, around 2,498 people were arrested for drunk driving (DD) as part of a special drive conducted throughout the three commissionerate areas of Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda. According to the traffic authorities, a majority of cases were booked within the Hyderabad commissionerate limits, followed by Cyberabad and Rachakonda commissionerate limits.

Around 1,265 cases were booked under the Hyderabad commissionerate, 873 under the Cyberbad commissionerate, and 360 under the Rachakonda commissionerate.

"Through our #DontDrinkAndDrive campaign, we wish to encourage people to abstain from operating a vehicle while intoxicated. This, in our opinion, will help to make the roads safer. When there are economical and convenient alternatives to traditional modes of transportation, we want to encourage people to choose wisely. Please use the services from TGFWDA and TGPWU to celebrate the New Year in a happy and responsible manner," Mr. Shaikh said.