A section of app-based cab drivers in Gurugram went on strike on Monday, March 23, seeking the introduction of compulsory KYC for riders.
At a weekend gathering in Sector 46 on Saturday, they pointed out that drivers undergo strict checks while passengers do not, raising concerns over incidents of abuse and safety risks. The drivers maintained on Saturday that the protest is focused on tackling safety concerns linked to bogus or unchecked passengers, citing instances of abuse during journeys.
The demand for compulsory customer verification has gained traction among drivers, who say it could help reduce assaults. A cab driver argued that aggregators should enforce KYC, noting the disparity between strict checks for drivers and the lack of obligations for riders.
“What about our safety? We also need protection from fake passengers,” he said, according to a Hindustan Times (HT) report.
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The issue gained urgency after a 25-year-old cab driver, Suraj Singh, was allegedly strangled in Sector 37C in January 2026. The killing has left drivers shaken and prompted demonstrations over safety concerns.
Drivers have also raised concerns over the lack of a formal complaints system, saying there have been several instances of passenger misconduct with no clear avenue for action.
Despite the presence of safety features, including emergency SOS options, drivers have questioned how ineffective they are in practice. They have pointed to incidents where help did not arrive in time, raising concerns over their usefulness.
Beyond safety concerns, drivers say their incomes are shrinking even as costs such as fuel and maintenance continue to rise. They are now calling for a minimum base fare under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025 to secure more stable earnings.
The ongoing strike, which was also observed on Saturday, disrupted transport across Gurugram. A commuter, who lives in Sector 38, said booking a cab to the nearest metro station took significantly longer, reported HT.
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