Drivers of app-based cab and transport services, including Ola, Uber and Rapido, are observing a nationwide strike on February 7 under the banner of an “All India Breakdown”, protesting what they describe as “endless exploitation”. Drivers associated with Porter and other app-based transport platforms have also joined the strike.
The protest stems from concerns raised in a letter sent by drivers’ unions to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. In the letter, the unions said there is no government-regulated fare structure for drivers working on aggregator platforms operating auto-rickshaws, cabs and bike taxis. Instead, fares are fixed “unilaterally” by the companies, leaving drivers vulnerable to fluctuating incomes.
According to the unions, this system has resulted in severe income insecurity, widespread exploitation and unsustainable working conditions for millions of app-based transport workers across the country.
The strike has been called by multiple drivers’ organisations, including the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), along with other labour unions. In a post on X, the TGPWU said, “App-based transport workers across India will observe an All India Breakdown on 7 Feb 26. No minimum fares. No regulation. Endless exploitation.”
The union urged the government to intervene urgently, alleging that while aggregators continue to earn profits, millions of drivers are being pushed deeper into poverty.
What are the drivers’ demands?
The unions have placed their demands within the framework of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, seeking immediate implementation of key provisions:
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Regulatory oversight: The unions have demanded the appointment of a government overseer, as envisaged under the 2025 guidelines, to ensure fare transparency and protect drivers’ livelihoods.
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Minimum base fares: They have called for the immediate notification of minimum base fares for app-based transport services by both central and state governments. The unions said these fares should be finalised in consultation with recognised driver and worker unions, as has been done previously for other taxi services.
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Use of commercial vehicles only: The unions have also sought a strict ban on the use of private (non-commercial) vehicles for commercial passenger and goods transport. Alternatively, they have demanded mandatory conversion of such vehicles into the commercial category.
So far, companies such as Ola, Uber, Rapido and Porter have not issued any official statement on the immediate reasons behind the strike.
The latest protest comes just weeks after app-based food and general delivery workers went on strike on December 31, 2025. That agitation was withdrawn after companies like Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy Instamart stopped promoting “10-minute delivery” services to reduce pressure on workers.
The concerns of gig workers have also been raised in Parliament. Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha had flagged the issue in the Rajya Sabha, while Zomato and Blinkit founder Deepinder Goyal defended company policies during the debate.
