- Commuters in Indian cities may face travel disruptions on Feb 7 due to a drivers' strike.
- The strike is organised by Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union and supported nationally.
- Drivers protest unchecked fare pricing and poor working conditions in ride-hailing services.
Commuters across several Indian cities could face travel disruptions on Saturday, February 7, as drivers associated with major ride-hailing platforms including Ola, Uber, Rapido and Porter prepare for a coordinated nationwide strike.
The protest, termed the ‘All India Breakdown', is expected to see thousands of app-based drivers log off their platforms simultaneously for at least six hours. The action is likely to impact cab services, auto-rickshaws and bike taxis, particularly in large urban centres.
Who Is Calling The Strike?
The nationwide action has been announced by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and is backed by multiple labour organisations operating at the national level. The union confirmed the strike through posts on social media, describing it as a response to prolonged policy inaction and worsening conditions for gig and platform workers in the ride-hailing sector.
Hon'ble @nitin_gadkari ji, @MORTHIndia @Ponnam_INC App-based drivers and riders across India demand government-notified minimum base fares for #Ola, #Uber, #Rapido #Porter other aggregators, as mandated under Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. pic.twitter.com/epMHtJKOXS
— Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (@TGPWU) February 1, 2026
Union leaders said the protest is intended to send a unified message to both aggregators and policymakers on what they describe as systemic issues affecting driver earnings and job security.
Why Drivers Are Protesting
According to the TGPWU, the strike is aimed at highlighting unchecked pricing practices and deteriorating working conditions in India's rapidly expanding ride-hailing ecosystem. The union alleges that platforms continue to set fares arbitrarily despite the introduction of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.
Drivers argue that the lack of government-notified minimum base fares has led to shrinking incomes and unsustainable working hours. They have also raised concerns over provisions that allow platforms to discount fares significantly, which they say directly erodes driver earnings.
“Despite the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, platforms continue to fix fares arbitrarily. Our demands are clear: notify minimum fares, regulate pricing and end misuse of private vehicles for commercial rides,” the union said in a post.
Key Demands
The protesting drivers have outlined four primary demands: notification of minimum base fares for app-based transport services; strict action against the commercial use of private vehicles without proper conversion; removal of a guideline clause that permits pricing rides up to 50% below base fares; and legally binding income and working-condition safeguards for drivers.
Unions have said the strike will last around six hours, though the extent of disruption will vary by city and participation levels. With the protest falling on a weekend, passengers relying heavily on app-based cabs, autos and bike taxis are advised to plan alternative travel arrangements, especially during peak morning and evening hours.
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