Pune: Cab, Taxi and Rickshaw Drivers in Maharashtra To Halt Services On October 9. Know Why.
Pune: Cab, Taxi and Rickshaw Drivers in Maharashtra To Halt Services On October 9. Know Why.
Pune, October 6, 2025: The Indian Gig Workers Forum has announced that cab, taxi, and rickshaw drivers across Maharashtra will suspend passenger services for one day on Thursday, October 9, 2025, to draw the attention of the Prime Minister to corruption in the state’s Transport Department.
Dr. Keshav Nana Kshirsagar,
President, Indian Gig Workers Forum informed, “Since July 15, 2025, drivers have been staging continuous protests at Azad Maidan against the alleged mismanagement of the Transport Department. The agitation has included hunger strikes, shutdowns, and demonstrations.”
According to the protestors, ride-hailing companies Ola, Uber, and Rapido continue to operate illegally in the state, blatantly violating government regulations. Despite multiple FIRs, private two-wheelers are still being used for passenger transport.
On September 30, 2025, after the Transport Minister refused to meet them, the protestors launched a “Jail Bharo” (Fill the Jails) movement, during which hundreds voluntarily courted arrest.
Following this, Vidyadhar Mahale, Secretary to the Chief Minister, held a meeting between the protestors and Transport Department officials, instructing Assistant Commissioner Bharat Kalaskar to find a resolution. However, the department has allegedly ignored these directions.
Protestors have alleged that due to sponsorship received by the Transport Minister from Rapido, officials in the department are now under pressure to favor the company.
The earlier strike in July received overwhelming participation, with nearly 100% of drivers joining in, prompting the airport authorities to issue a public advisory urging passengers to make alternative travel arrangements.
The one-day strike on October 9, 2025, coincides with the arrival of financial experts from across the country in Mumbai for a major conference. The Forum said the move aims to bring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attention to the Transport Department’s corrupt practices.
As seen during previous strikes, citizens may face severe inconvenience due to non-availability of cabs and autos, and the public transport system is expected to come under pressure.
