Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jun 9: Auto-rickshaw drivers and owners in Mangaluru have said that a thriving nightlife could not only enhance the city’s growth but also offer better livelihood opportunities, especially for the working class.
At present, over 7,500 auto rickshaws operate within the city limits, along with more than 3,500 battery-operated rickshaws. Around 14,000 drivers work across day and night shifts from 241 designated auto stands.
Despite these numbers, many drivers find it increasingly difficult to earn a decent living. They believe that the revival of nightlife would offer additional income, particularly from night fares, which are usually one-and-a-half times higher than day fares.

However, drivers pointed out that not everyone is willing or able to work night shifts due to safety concerns.
Lokesh Shetty, president of the Dakshina Kannada District Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Struggle Committee, said, “If nightlife is encouraged, auto rickshaw drivers will benefit. However, night safety is crucial. Assaults, robberies and other crimes are a concern. Police and authorities must ensure the protection of drivers working at night.”
He further said that cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai have thriving nightlife that boosts tourism, supports pubs, dance bars, and other activities, generating employment and revenue for the local economy.
“Instead of imposing strict curbs, the district administration should ease some norms to boost nightlife, which would benefit the city and the livelihoods of many,” he said.
Bharath Kumar, president of the Dakshina Kannada District Auto Rickshaw Owners' Association, said that currently, most rickshaw drivers work from morning till around 8 pm. Only about 2,000–3,000 drivers operate during the night shift, mainly catering to passengers arriving or departing by train.
"There is hardly any real nightlife here. Without it, drivers struggle to earn enough to improve their lives," he said.
He recalled that former Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Bharat Lal Meena had once envisioned the concept of ‘Greater Mangaluru’, but successive administrations did not push it forward.
"Even with Smart City projects, there has been little focus on attracting tourists. Auto drivers mainly depend on local passengers. Without boosting nightlife, there will be no real change," said an auto driver, Ramu.
Mangaluru currently has a total of 12,000 auto rickshaws operating across the city. Out of these, 3,500 are battery-operated, reflecting a gradual shift towards eco-friendly transport options. However, the number of designated auto rickshaw stands has decreased significantly—from 411 previously to just 241 now. This reduction poses challenges for both drivers and commuters in terms of accessibility and organization.
Several factors have contributed to the noticeable decline in Mangaluru’s nightlife. Firstly, there has been a lack of proper development of tourist spots, which could otherwise attract visitors after dark. Secondly, limited permissions granted to pubs and dance bars restrict evening entertainment options. Additionally, beach tourism activities are mandated to shut down by 9 pm, further curtailing night-time engagement. The absence of late-night leisure activities and the overall low encouragement for entertainment and cultural events have also added to the subdued nightlife atmosphere in the city.