Pune: Cab and Auto-Rickshaw Drivers to Observe Nationwide One-Day Strike on February 7
Pune: Cab and Auto-Rickshaw Drivers to Observe Nationwide One-Day Strike on February 7
Pune, February 5, 2026: Cab and auto-rickshaw drivers across the country will observe a nationwide one-day strike on February 7, 2026, protesting against illegal bike taxi services and the alleged arbitrary fare policies of app-based companies such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido. The strike has been called to draw the government’s attention to long-pending issues affecting the livelihoods and safety of drivers.
For several months, drivers have been raising their concerns through protests and representations to the authorities. Despite repeated directives issued by the Transport Department instructing app-based companies to comply with government-approved regulations, driver unions allege that these companies continue to violate norms without facing strict action from the authorities.
One of the key concerns highlighted by the drivers is the operation of illegal bike taxi services, particularly in metropolitan cities like Mumbai. These services have reportedly led to fatal accidents, resulting in deaths and permanent disabilities. Since such services are illegal, accident victims are not eligible for insurance coverage, raising serious safety and accountability concerns.
Drivers have also alleged large-scale financial exploitation in the name of panic button compliance. Although 140 panic button device providers are approved by the central government, the state government has declared nearly 70 percent of them unauthorised. This has forced drivers to remove existing devices and spend around ₹12,000 on new installations.
Additionally, the government’s open auto-rickshaw permit policy has led to an oversupply of vehicles on city roads. Driver unions claim this has significantly reduced incomes and worsened traffic congestion.
The strike is being organised to press for regulatory enforcement, road safety, and fair policies for gig workers, said Dr. Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, President of the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha and the Indian Gig Workers Forum.
