Commuters in Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur and several other parts of Maharashtra are likely to face travel difficulties on Saturday, February 7, as app-based cab and auto-rickshaw drivers have announced a one-day statewide strike.
The protest has been called by multiple unions, including the Indian Gig Workers Front and the Baghtoy Rickshawala Union, to oppose the state government's delay in implementing the cab aggregator policy and to highlight what they claim are illegal operations by ride-hailing platforms.
Union leader Keshav Kshirsagar said aggregators were functioning without proper licences and were not adhering to fares approved by the Regional Transport Office (RTO). He also raised concerns over the operation of bike taxis in certain parts of Mumbai, calling for stricter enforcement against them.
Drivers associated with platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido are expected to stay off the roads during the strike. In recent months, commuters have frequently reported issues such as drivers demanding fares higher than those shown on mobile applications or auto-rickshaw drivers refusing app-based pricing in favour of meter rates.
The strike is expected to impact travel at major transit points, including Pune airport, where app-based cab services are the primary mode of transport for passengers. Regular commuters who rely on aggregator services may also face inconvenience.
However, union representatives clarified that metered auto-rickshaws not linked to app-based platforms would continue to operate to reduce hardship for passengers.
![End of Rapido, Ola, Uber bike taxis in Delhi; penalty upto Rs 10,000 announced [details]](https://data1.ibtimes.co.in/en/full/782234/end-rapido-ola-uber-bike-taxis-delhi-penalty-upto-rs-10000-announced-details.jpg?w=399&h=299&l=50&t=40 "End of Rapido, Ola, Uber bike taxis in Delhi; penalty upto Rs 10,000 announced [representational image]")
Kshirsagar said unions had expected the state government to notify the aggregator policy after municipal elections, but no progress had been made despite assurances from transport officials.
Meanwhile, some driver groups have opted out of the strike. Varsha Shinde, president of the Maa Saheb Cab Sanstha, said her organisation would continue operations, citing the severe inconvenience caused to commuters and drivers during last year's prolonged strike.
A similar protest held last year disrupted transport services across several cities in the state.
(With inputs from IANS)
