Battery-run auto-rickshaw drivers block road near Press Club

Battery-powered auto-rickshaw drivers blocked the road in front of the National Press Club in the capital on Monday morning. They were protesting the disconnection of the electricity connections used to charge their vehicles.

The drivers chanted slogans demanding that the connections be restored. They said they cannot charge their batteries and therefore cannot operate their vehicles, which puts their livelihoods at risk.

The drivers said they earn a living by charging their batteries through these connections. They said the sudden disconnection has created a major crisis for them.

The blockade disrupted traffic in the area. Congestion also built up on nearby roads, causing inconvenience to commuters.

The drivers warned that they would launch tougher programmes if the connections are not restored soon. They were protesting in small groups.