Commuters’ travel plans could be disrupted across India on Saturday, February 7, after drivers associated with app-based ride-hailing platforms Ola, Uber and Rapido called for a nationwide strike. The protests are being dubbed the “All India Breakdown” and drivers are expected to switch off their ride-hailing apps en masse.
The strike was organized by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and other national labor organizations. While announcing Saturday’s protest, TGPWU said in a post on X: “App-based transport workers across India will observe All India Breakdown on February 7th and February 26th. No minimum fares, no regulations. Endless exploitation.”
Why Uber and Ola drivers called for strike
In a letter to Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, the unions have flagged the “long-standing and unresolved issues” facing app-based transport workers across the country.
The union said in the absence of a government-prescribed fare system for passengers working for Ola, Uber, Rapido, Porter and other aggregator platforms operating auto, taxi and motorcycle taxis, companies are deciding fares on their own.
This will result in “severe income insecurity, exploitation and unsustainable working conditions for millions of transport workers,” the letter said.
The union called on the government to “act now”, saying millions of app-based drivers were being pushed into poverty while aggregator companies continued to profit.
List of driver requests
The drivers also submitted a list of demands to the government. In a letter to the union minister, the union referred to the 2025 Auto Aggregator Guidelines, which it said called for regulatory oversight, a clear fare system and welfare protection for drivers.
The union raised the following demands:
- Immediate notification of minimum basic fares by Central and State Governments for app-based transport services, including autos, taxis, motorcycle taxis and other aggregator-based services. These fares will have to be finalized after consultation with authorized drivers and trade unions in line with the Automotive Aggregator Guidelines 2025.
- Pursuant to the Motor Vehicles Act, Aggregator Guidelines 2025 and related regulations, the use of private non-commercial vehicles for the transportation of commercial passengers and goods or the compulsory conversion of such vehicles into commercial category is strictly prohibited.
What should commuters expect?
Commuters should brace for travel inconveniences, but the extent of disruption may vary across India as drivers observe strikes in different regions.
Passengers using app-based taxis, autos, and bike taxis are advised to plan alternative travel options on February 7, especially during peak morning and evening hours.