Telangana gig workers union offer free rides on New Year’s Eve to curb drunk driving
The Hyderabad Police have issued strict warnings against ride refusals, fare overcharging and driving under the influence of alcohol
By - Newsmeter Network
Representational Image
Hyderabad: As Hyderabad prepares for New Year celebrations, the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPGWU) has announced free ride services to prevent drunk driving.
The Hyderabad Police have issued strict warnings against ride refusals, fare overcharging and driving under the influence of alcohol.
Free ride initiative to curb drunk driving
Keeping public safety in focus, TGPGWU has announced free transportation services for people who are unable to return home safely after consuming alcohol during New Year celebrations.
The free rides will be available from 11 pm on December 31 to 1 am on January 1 across the Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda Police Commissionerate limits.
Speaking about the initiative, TGPGWU President Shaik Salahuddin said drunk driving during festive occasions poses a serious risk to both motorists and pedestrians.
“To address this issue, we have launched the #HumAapkeSaathHai campaign to prevent road accidents and save lives,” he said.
Eight years of free ride services by TGPGWU
Salahuddin said the union has been running the initiative consistently over the years.
“Over the past eight years, TGPGWU has been providing free ride services every New Year through autorickshaws and four-wheeler vehicles. This year, we are strengthening the initiative through a partnership with BizliRide. By using electric two-wheelers, enabling faster last-mile response and ensuring coordinated ground support, we are able to reach more people in less time during peak New Year hours. Our sole aim is to ensure that people return home safely,” he said.
As part of the collaboration, BizliRide is deploying its electric vehicle fleet and ground teams to improve coverage, response time and safe mobility across the city.
Under the initiative, 500 vehicles, including cabs, autorickshaws and EV bikes, will be deployed. People who are unable to travel on their own due to intoxication can avail the free service by calling 8977009804, he added.
BizliRide: ‘Mobility is about saving lives’
Speaking on the partnership, one of the BizliRide co-founders said safety remains central to the company’s approach: “At BizliRide, we do not view mobility merely as the movement of vehicles; we see it as the protection of lives. If our fleet can prevent even one accident or help even one person reach home safely, then this partnership with TGPGWU has achieved its true purpose,” the co-founder said.
TGPGWU, in its appeal to the public, reiterated that people should celebrate responsibly, stating that ‘no celebration is greater than a human life.’
Police warn against ride refusals and overcharging
Meanwhile, Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar, on Tuesday, issued a stern warning to cab and auto-rickshaw drivers against refusing rides or charging fares higher than the booking amount on New Year’s Eve and at midnight.
In a post on X, the Commissioner said such practices would not be tolerated and warned of strict action under Section 178(3)(b) of the Motor Vehicles Act.
He urged commuters to immediately report any inconvenience caused by ride refusals or overcharging.
Complainants have been asked to share vehicle number, time and location of the incident, along with screenshots of ride bookings, with the Hyderabad Police WhatsApp helpline at +91 94906 16555.
The police said the measure aims to ensure fair travel practices and a hassle-free experience for commuters during the New Year celebrations.
Zero tolerance on drunk driving
The Police Commissioner also stressed a zero-tolerance approach towards drunk driving as part of intensified New Year enforcement.
Special checks will be conducted at 120 locations across the city on New Year’s Eve, and the drive will continue throughout the first week of January.
Sajjanar warned that those caught driving under the influence of alcohol will face stringent action, including heavy fines, seizure of vehicles, imprisonment and cancellation of driving licences. Strict action will also be taken against rash driving, triple riding and creating public nuisance.
He appealed to citizens who have consumed alcohol to avoid driving and instead use cabs or hired drivers, urging everyone to celebrate responsibly and ensure a safe New Year.
