As the sun beats down on the bustling streets of Bengaluru this year coupled with a water crisis, the city’s auto, cab, and bus drivers find themselves facing a challenge - coping with the scorching summer heat while navigating through traffic-laden roads.
“The summer months are always tough for us,” says Shivaraju H.M., an auto driver from Rajajinagar. “However, this year, the heat gets unbearable inside the auto, and there’s no escaping it. But we have to keep working to make ends meet. When I’m out driving my auto on the roads, I can feel the intense heat from the pavement. There are times when I simply can’t continue my duties because of the oppressive heat,” he added.
Similarly, cab drivers, who spend long hours behind the wheel, are finding ways to cope with the heat. “I make sure to keep a bottle of chilled water with me,” shares Shashi Kumar, a cab driver from Laggere working with a popular ride-hailing service. “Staying hydrated is key, especially when you’re stuck in traffic for hours. I also try to take short breaks in shaded areas whenever possible. Given the high fuel prices, I’m unable to keep the air conditioning on constantly. However, I’ve recently installed a small fan on my side of the car, providing some relief from the heat,” Mr. Shashi Kumar said.
