Commuters across India faced travel disruptions on Saturday as drivers working with ride-hailing platforms Ola, Uber and Rapido logged off their apps in a coordinated nationwide strike. The protest, dubbed the “All India Breakdown,” was called by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) with support from labour groups across states. The strike was planned for at least six hours and impacted cab services, auto-rickshaws and bike taxis in several cities
The union says app-based drivers are bearing the brunt of falling earnings and rising costs, while platforms continue to set fares unilaterally. Despite the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, workers allege that minimum base fares have not been officially notified by the government, leaving drivers vulnerable to arbitrary pricing and frequent incentive changes. Many drivers claim that after commissions, fuel and maintenance, daily take-home income has become unsustainable.
Two core demands are at the centre of the protest. First, the immediate notification of government-approved minimum base fares for all aggregator-based transport services, including cabs, autos and bike taxis, finalised in consultation with recognised driver unions. Second, a strict ban on the commercial use of private, non-commercial vehicles for passenger and goods transport, which unions say undercuts professional drivers and worsens competition.
The February 7 strike is part of a broader wave of gig worker mobilisation seen over the past year. Food delivery and quick-commerce workers have also staged protests over low payouts and unstable working conditions. The Economic Survey 2025–26 flagged the rapid expansion of the gig economy but pointed to gaps in social security and worker protections.
While some cities reported limited impact due to partial participation, commuters in peak hours experienced longer wait times and higher surge pricing where services remained available. Unions say the strike is a warning shot and that further action could follow if their demands are not addressed.
