Ola, Uber and Rapido Drivers to Go Offline for 6 Hours Today in Nationwide Protest

Ride-hailing services across India are likely to face disruptions on February 7 as drivers associated with platforms like Ola, Uber and Rapido plan to log out of apps for six hours. The action, being organised at a national level, is aimed at drawing attention to falling incomes, fare-related concerns and what drivers describe as prolonged government inaction.

The protest has been termed an “All India Breakdown” by organisers and is being led by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), a body representing app-based transport workers operating across multiple aggregator platforms.

Nationwide Call to Log Out

According to the union, drivers across cities and states will collectively remain offline for six hours on February 7, 2026. The aim is to pressure authorities to step in on two long-pending issues — the absence of government-notified minimum fares and the continued use of private vehicles for commercial rides.

In a message shared on social media earlier this week, the union announced that the coordinated shutdown would involve drivers of cabs, autos, bike taxis and other app-based transport services.

Why App-Based Drivers Are Protesting

The core grievance raised by the union revolves around fare-setting practices. While the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025 are already in force, the union claims that ride-hailing companies continue to independently decide pricing without meaningful oversight.

Rewriting its stand in a public post, the union said, “Even after the 2025 Aggregator Guidelines, platforms continue to determine fares at will. Our demands remain firm: declare minimum base fares and stop the misuse of private vehicles for commercial operations.”

Drivers argue that without officially notified minimum fares, their earnings have steadily declined, leaving many struggling with unstable and unpredictable incomes.

Another major concern flagged by the union is the growing use of privately registered vehicles for commercial transport. According to driver groups, this practice undercuts licensed drivers who rely entirely on aggregator work to earn a living.

‘All India Breakdown’ Announcement

While announcing the protest on X, the union used strong words to describe the situation faced by gig workers in the transport sector.

The post stated, “App-based transport workers across the country will observe an All India Breakdown on 7 February 2026. No minimum fares, no effective regulation, only endless exploitation.”

It further added, “Millions of drivers are being pushed deeper into poverty while aggregator platforms continue to rake in profits. Government silence has allowed platforms to act without restraint.”

The union said the protest is intended to compel the government to initiate serious discussions with worker representatives and move towards enforceable regulation.

Appeal for Immediate Government Action

Before announcing the strike, the TGPWU had released a detailed statement urging authorities to immediately notify minimum base fares for platforms such as Ola, Uber, Rapido and Porter.

In that statement, the union said, “Without government-regulated fare structures, aggregator companies continue to fix prices on their own. This has resulted in widespread income insecurity, exploitation and working conditions that are no longer sustainable for millions of transport workers.”

Explaining the decision to call for a shutdown, the union added, “To protest continued policy inaction and to assert our rightful demands, app-based transport workers nationwide will observe an All-India Breakdown on 7 February 2026.”

The union also stressed that its intention was not disruption for its own sake, but to push for dialogue and a regulatory framework that is fair, legal and sustainable for workers.

Key Demands Put Forward by the Union

The drivers’ union has outlined two primary demands.

First, it wants the immediate notification of minimum base fares for all forms of app-based transport, including autos, cabs, bike taxis and other aggregator services. The union has said that these fares should be finalised through consultations with recognised driver and worker unions and must strictly follow the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.

Second, the union has called for a complete ban on the use of private, non-commercial vehicles for carrying passengers or goods for profit. According to driver groups, this practice distorts competition and places additional financial pressure on licensed commercial drivers.

Recent Protests Highlight Growing Discontent

The planned shutdown comes just weeks after delivery and quick commerce workers staged protests over low pay and demanding working conditions. On December 31, one of the busiest days for platforms such as Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Instamart and Swiggy, delivery partners raised concerns about declining earnings and intense work pressure.

What the Economic Survey Said About Gig Workers

Concerns raised by drivers also find mention in the Economic Survey 2025–26, released on January 30. The Survey acknowledged the rapid expansion of India’s gig economy but warned that income instability remains a serious challenge.

It noted that nearly 40% of gig workers earn less than ₹15,000 per month, highlighting the vulnerability of workers dependent on platform-based jobs.

The Survey also revealed that the number of gig workers increased from 77 lakh in FY21 to 1.2 crore in FY25, representing a growth of about 55%. This expansion has been driven by wider smartphone adoption and the spread of digital payment systems.

Gig work now accounts for over 2% of India’s total workforce and is growing faster than overall employment. The Survey recommended stronger competition norms and greater transparency in algorithm-driven systems used by digital platforms, particularly around fees, decision-making and worker protections.

Services Likely to Be Affected

With drivers planning to remain offline for six hours, commuters in several cities may face delays or higher wait times on February 7. The protest underscores mounting frustration among app-based transport workers over fares, regulation and income security.