Hubballi, Karnataka | January 25, 2026 – As the nation geared up for the 77th Republic Day celebrations, the auto drivers' community at Hubballi Railway Station on Gadag Road transformed their bustling stand into a beacon of unity and discipline on Sunday evening. In a heartfelt pre-dawn gathering that blended patriotism with camaraderie, over 150 drivers, led by veteran operator Mr. Kandi Channaih, hoisted the tricolor under the watchful eyes of railway dignitaries, underscoring their commitment to service, ethics, and national pride.
The event, organized annually by the Gadag Road Auto Drivers' Association, kicked off at 5:30 a.m. with the soul-stirring rendition of the national anthem, followed by a crisp flag-hoisting ritual. Chief guests included Senior Section Engineer (SSE) Mr. Jaha, Mr. Doodmani, Mr. Amith Kumar, Mr. Saurav Kumar, and Mr. J.P. Singh – all key figures from the South Western Railway (SWR) division. The dignitaries, clad in crisp uniforms, joined hands with the drivers in a symbolic pull of the ceremonial rope, drawing applause from early-morning commuters and fellow workers who had paused their routines to witness the modest yet moving spectacle.
Speaking exclusively to reporters from TCO News SSE Mr. Jaha extended glowing praise to Mr. Kandi Channaih and his team, marking the third consecutive year he has been honored as chief guest by the group. "For the past three years, I've had the privilege of being invited here, and each time, I'm reminded of what true public service looks like," Mr. Jaha said, his voice carrying over the hum of idling autos. "Not a single complaint has reached my desk about bad behavior, overcharging, or any misconduct from these drivers. In an era where customer grievances are the norm, their dedication to fair fares and courteous conduct is exemplary. They are the unsung heroes keeping Hubballi's wheels turning – efficiently and ethically."
Mr. Jaha's commendation resonated deeply, especially as the association has enforced self-regulated metering and a 'no-refusal' policy for passengers, earning accolades from the Hubballi-Dharwad City Traffic Police. Under Mr. Channaih's stewardship since 2020, the stand – servicing over 500 daily trips to and from the railway junction – has reported zero major violations, a stark contrast to complaints at other urban hubs. "We've installed digital meters on 80% of our vehicles and conduct monthly awareness sessions," Channaih shared post-ceremony, beaming with pride. "It's all about building trust – one ride at a time."
Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Doodmani, another railway official, turned the spotlight on the profound personal bonds forged between the drivers and their supporters. In a poignant address, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming affection shown to his family during his daughter's wedding last year. "When my daughter tied the knot, every single auto driver from this stand showed up – not just with garlands and sweets, but with their presence that made it feel like a family affair," Mr. Doodmani recounted, his eyes misting over. "That love and solidarity isn't just for show; it's the glue that holds our community together. Today, on the eve of Republic Day, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You've honored not just the flag, but the spirit of brotherhood that Dr. Ambedkar and our Constitution envisioned."
The ceremony, which wrapped up with distribution of sweets and tri-color badges to participants, also featured brief speeches from Mr. Amith Kumar and Mr. Saurav Kumar, who lauded the drivers' role in easing commuter woes during peak hours and festivals. Mr. J.P. Singh, wrapping up the formalities, urged the group to sustain their momentum: "Your discipline is a lesson for all. As we celebrate 77 years of our Republic, let's pledge to drive India forward – safely, fairly, and with pride."
For the auto fraternity, often navigating long hours and erratic incomes, the event served as a morale booster amid rising fuel costs and urban congestion. noted a 20% uptick in voluntary compliance since the annual flag-hoisting tradition began in 2018, crediting it to the "chief guest connect" that fosters accountability. Local commuters, too, chimed in on social media, with X posts praising the "zero-drama stand" and sharing selfies from the dawn gathering.
As the sun rose over Hubballi's Gadag Road, casting a golden hue on the fluttering tricolor, the auto drivers dispersed to their duties – engines revving with renewed vigor. In a city synonymous with industrial hustle, this quiet corner of the railway stand reminded all that true republican values thrive not in grand parades, but in the everyday acts of integrity and unity. With Republic Day proper just hours away, Hubballi's auto warriors stand tall – ready to ferry the nation into another year of progress.
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