Ola, Uber, Rapido drivers join one-day nationwide strike on February 7

The strike will involve drivers of app-based platforms as well as traditional taxis and autorickshaws. Representation Pic/Istock

Cab and autorickshaw drivers across India are set to observe a nationwide one-day strike today, protesting against illegal bike taxi services and what they describe as unfair fare policies of app-based companies, including Ola, Uber, and Rapido. The strike will involve drivers associated with app-based platforms as well as traditional cab and autorickshaw operators.

"The strike will involve drivers associated with app-based platforms as well as traditional cab and autorickshaw operators. Illegal bike taxi services are operating openly across the country despite repeated warnings from transport authorities. Such services have led to fatal accidents in Mumbai, resulting in deaths and permanent disabilities. As bike taxi services are not legally permitted in several states, accident victims are often denied insurance coverage, which unions described as a serious public safety concern," president of the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha and the Indian Gig Workers Forum, Dr Keshav Nana Kshirsagar told mid-day.

"Also, the Maharashtra transport department has issued multiple written instructions to companies such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido, asking them to follow government-approved rules. However, these companies continue to defy official orders, and no strict action has been taken against them so far," he added. Speaking about the government's open autorickshaw permit policy, Kshirsagar explained that it has led to a sharp rise in the number of autorickshaws on the roads, which, in turn, has cut down cab drivers' income and is leading to traffic congestion.

Drivers also raised concerns over the installation of panic button devices, saying they are being financially exploited in the process. While the central government has approved 140 panic button service providers, the state government has reportedly declared nearly 70 per cent of these companies as unauthorised. This has forced drivers to remove previously installed devices and spend around Rs 12,000 to install new ones, adding to their financial stress.