App-based taxi strike disrupts services across India
Passengers who depend on app-based taxi platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido faced major inconvenience on Friday as drivers across the country went on a coordinated strike. Thousands of cab, auto and bike taxi drivers logged out of their respective applications for at least six hours, bringing services to a near halt in several cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi.
The protest was called by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) with the support of several labour organisations across India. The union announced the strike to protest against what it termed “unfair pricing practices” adopted by app-based taxi companies and the lack of effective government regulation in the sector.
As a result of the strike, commuters struggled to find rides during peak hours. Many passengers reported long waiting times and unusually high fares on the few vehicles that remained operational. Office-goers, students and daily commuters were the worst affected, with many forced to rely on public transport or personal vehicles.
Why are drivers protesting?
According to the protesting unions, app-based taxi platforms are exploiting drivers by fixing fares arbitrarily without any minimum pricing structure. Drivers claim that despite working long hours, their earnings have been steadily declining due to high commissions charged by companies and fluctuating fare algorithms.
The union pointed out that even though the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines Act 2025 exists, companies continue to determine prices independently without following any standardised norms. “There is no minimum fare guarantee. There is no regulation. Endless exploitation is taking place. Lakhs of drivers are being pushed into poverty while companies make huge profits,” the union said in a statement.
Drivers also complained that incentives and bonuses promised earlier have been drastically reduced, making it difficult for them to meet rising fuel and maintenance costs. Many drivers depend entirely on these platforms for their livelihood and feel they are being treated unfairly.
Key demands of the drivers
The protesting drivers have placed two major demands before the government.
First, they want an immediate implementation of a minimum base fare for cab, auto and bike taxi services operating on app-based platforms. They have demanded that fare structures be decided in consultation with recognised driver and labour unions, and strictly in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines.
Second, they have called for a complete ban on private, non-commercial vehicles being used for passenger transport and goods delivery services through these platforms. According to them, the use of private vehicles for commercial purposes is illegal and affects the livelihood of licensed drivers.
Part of a larger gig worker movement
This strike is being seen as part of a broader wave of protests by gig economy workers across India. In December 2025, food delivery and quick commerce workers had staged similar demonstrations demanding higher payouts and better working conditions.
Even the Economic Survey 2025-26, released on January 30, highlighted concerns regarding the rapid growth of the gig economy. While the survey acknowledged the employment opportunities created by the sector, it also pointed out the lack of adequate social security and labour protection for gig workers.
Union leaders have warned that if the government fails to address their concerns, larger and more prolonged protests will be organised in the coming months. For now, commuters continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing dispute between drivers and app-based companies.
