Hyderabad: About 100,000 auto rickshaws went off the roads in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad Monday as three-wheeler drivers began an indefinite strike to oppose the introduction of digital auto fare meters.

School children and employees were the hardest hit by the strike. Though the state-owned Road Transport Corporation put into operation over 250 additional buses, they proved inadequate to deal with the peak-hour rush.

Over 300,000 school children, who travel by three-wheelers every day, had a tough time reaching their schools. While many students ended up not going to school, thousands were seen waiting for buses at bus shelters.

The strike also inconvenienced government and private employees, especially those who travel from city outskirts.

The joint action committee of auto drivers' unions wants the government to take back an order, which made installation of digital meters in autos compulsory. The government issued the order to prevent passengers being fleeced by auto drivers with the existing meters. 

A section of drivers, who wanted to ply their vehicles, were prevented by union leaders who claimed that the strike was total. Police have made arrangements to provide security to drivers not participating in the strike.

Hyderabad, Secunderabad and surrounding areas have a population of 7.5 million. The public transport caters to 40 percent of the population.