Mumbai monsoon leaves app-based cab drivers battling losses, vehicle damage

Continuous heavy rainfall brings traffic to a crawl on LBS Road on Saturday. PIC/SAYYED SAMEER ABEDI

Every time heavy rain lashes Mumbai, commuters rush to book app-based cabs to avoid getting stranded. But for drivers like Mohsin Sheikh, the monsoon is less a time of opportunity and more a season of mounting losses.

"The common perception is that we earn more because demand increases during the monsoon season. The reality is exactly the opposite," says Sheikh, who has been driving an app-based cab in Mumbai for several years. According to him, the biggest challenge is not the rain but the city's crumbling infrastructure.

"A journey that usually takes 30 minutes now takes more than an hour because of traffic and waterlogging. We complete fewer trips despite spending more time on the road. That directly reduces our income," he said. Sheikh says flooded roads hide potholes that often damage tyres, suspension systems, brakes, and electrical components.

"Every monsoon we worry about repair bills. Even if we drive carefully, we cannot see what is beneath the water. We are also spending much more on petrol and diesel because vehicles remain stuck in traffic with engines running. Fuel prices are already high. We are earning less but spending more every day," said Sheikh.

Cost of cancellations

Drivers often travel several kilometres to reach passengers only to have the ride cancelled because of delays caused by traffic or flooded roads. "Nobody pays us for that wasted fuel or the time we lose. Those losses come directly from our pocket," Sheikh said.

Civic solution

Sheikh believes the problem is preventable. "If drains are cleaned before the monsoon, roads are repaired properly, and waterlogging is controlled, our work becomes easier. We are not asking for special treatment. We only want roads where we can drive safely and earn honestly. We keep Mumbai moving during the rains. We only hope the city starts moving for us too," he said.

Extra hours

To recover their daily earnings, many drivers extend their working hours well into the night, often driving in difficult weather conditions. "We don't have another option. If we stop working, there is no income. If we keep working, our expenses keep increasing. Either way, we lose," said Sheikh.

[popcorn number="1 Hour" desc="Time journeys normally lasting 30 min take due to waterlogging" class="Default"]