UMBAI: Autorickshaws will go off roads on Monday to protest against the operations of private taxi aggregators among other demands.

State transport commissioner Shyam Wardhane on Sunday issued directives — allowing private cars, buses and other vehicles to operate as "public transport" on Monday. This is being done for the convenience of commuters, specially office-goers.

The strike will, however, inconvenience scores of commuters on Monday. Several office-goers depend on autos on the share routes to ply to the railway station daily. The police will also be on alert to ensure there is no law and order problem.

Said auto union leader Shashank Rao : "We are opposing the operations of private cab aggregators and also the increase in permit fee to Rs 15,200. If there is any inconvenience to commuters, the state government will be responsible." He added that drivers would voluntarily join the protest.