Struggling with mounting debt and stagnant fares, Telangana’s autorickshaw drivers are intensifying protests, demanding rate revisions, financial aid and other welfare measures. Passengers, meanwhile, complain about ‘rude’ behaviour of auto drivers and frequent demands for extra payment. Despite talks, the government is yet to address key issues, from ‘unfair’ fares to aggregator regulations, leaving drivers and commuters locked in a conflict of survival and service quality, writes Syed Mohammed