Pune Commuters Hit Hard As Gig Workers’ Protest In Mumbai Sparks Rickshaw, Cab Shortage
Pune Commuters Hit Hard As Gig Workers’ Protest In Mumbai Sparks Rickshaw, Cab Shortage
Pune, July 18, 2025: The ongoing indefinite protest by gig workers in Mumbai’s Azad Maidan is now creating major inconvenience for commuters in Pune. Over the past two days, several autorickshaw and cab drivers from Pune have joined the agitation, leading to a noticeable shortage of rickshaws and cabs at key transit points such as Pune Railway Station, Swargate, Lohegaon Airport.
The protesting drivers, affiliated with various gig worker unions, are demanding the regulation of fare structures and licensing for app-based aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido. Currently, these companies lack a valid “Cab Aggregator” license as mandated by state transport laws. The unions are also pushing for a single online platform governed by the transport department to streamline operations and enforce uniform fare policies.
Amid the strike, commuters have complained about inflated fares, with some unaffiliated drivers allegedly exploiting the situation. Passengers reported being charged exorbitant rates—₹300 for short distances within the city and up to ₹700 for airport transfers.
Meanwhile, tensions surrounding the protest have escalated. A meeting on July 16 between gig worker representatives and Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik failed to resolve the deadlock. Adding to the unrest, a driver who participated in the agitation allegedly consumed poison and later died during treatment. In response, gig workers have announced an indefinite hunger strike beginning July 18.
