Commuters across India may face travel problems on Saturday, February 7, as drivers associated with Ola, Uber and Rapido have announced a nationwide strike. The protest, named “All India Breakdown,” will see drivers switching off their ride-hailing apps at the same time.
The strike has been organised by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) along with several national labour groups. In a post on X, the union said that app-based transport workers across the country would stop work to protest against low fares and lack of regulation.
“No minimum fares. No regulation. Endless exploitation,” the union wrote while announcing the strike.
Why Ola, Uber and Rapido Drivers Are Protesting
The union has raised long-standing issues faced by app-based drivers. In a letter sent to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, the union said drivers continue to work without fair fare protection.
According to the union, companies like Ola, Uber, Rapido and other aggregator platforms decide fares on their own. Drivers say this system leaves them with unstable incomes and poor working conditions. The letter added that millions of drivers face financial stress while companies continue to earn profits.
The union has urged the government to step in and introduce strict rules to protect driver livelihoods.
Drivers’ Key Demands Explained
The drivers have placed several demands before the government, referring to the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. These guidelines talk about regulation, fair pricing and driver welfare.
The main demands include:
- Immediate notification of minimum base fares for app-based services such as autos, cabs and bike taxis by central and state governments.
- Fixing fares after consultation with recognised driver unions, as suggested in the Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.
- A ban on using private, non-commercial vehicles for commercial passenger and goods transport, or making commercial registration compulsory under existing motor vehicle laws.
What Commuters Should Expect on February 7
Passengers should be ready for inconvenience, especially during peak hours. The level of disruption may differ from city to city, depending on how many drivers participate in the strike.
People who depend on app-based cabs, autos or bike taxis are advised to plan alternative travel arrangements on February 7, particularly in the morning and evening rush hours.
