Commuters in Mumbai faced difficulties for the second day running as a large section of Ola and Uber cab drivers went on strike on July 15, demanding fare regulation. The strike has continued into its second day.
The drivers are protesting against the high commission rates charged by cab aggregators like Ola and Uber. For instance, if a passenger pays Rs 500 for a ride, a significant portion is deducted by the platforms—an amount the drivers find unreasonable.
The protest is currently taking place at Azad Maidan, and driver unions are scheduled to meet representatives from Ola and Uber at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday.
There have been multiple reports of passengers being asked to de-board across Mumbai. In some instances, verified by NDTV Profit, cab drivers were threatened and asked to deboard passengers.
Mohit (name changed), a cab driver from Navi Mumbai told NDTV Profit, "We have just one demand from Ola and Uber— to give us a fixed rate per kilometer. Five years, back when we started working for the companies we had a fixed rate that was decided by the government."
He further explained the demand:
Currently, the government has fixed rate of Rs 32 per km for AC taxis in Mumbai. But, we are not getting such rates, instead some days we get Rs 5 per km, Rs 10 per km and some different rates from the companies for every trip.Mohit, Mumbai Cab Driver
The cab unions have met Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik at Vidhan Sabha yesterday, who promised to come up with a solution in 15 days. "Such promises were made to us before as well, hence we want a permanent solution this time," said Mohit.
He also informed that the cab drivers unions are set to met representatives from Ola and Uber today. "Their senior representative from Bengaluru is set to visit Mumabai today," he said.
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik posted images of his meeting with cab drivers on Tuesday. "In the backdrop of allegations made by rickshaw, taxi, and cab driver-owner organizations due to Ola-Uber and other app-based services, I personally listened to the concerns of the protesters today. Their demands are reasonable, and I have assured them that the government will make appropriate changes in the new policy," he wrote.
🗓 १५ जुलै २०२५ l 📍विधान भवन
July 15, 2025
ओला-उबर व इतर ॲप आधारित सेवांमुळे रिक्षा, टॅक्सी व कॅब चालक मालक संघटनांनी केलेल्या आरोपाच्या पार्श्वभूमीवर आंदोलनकर्त्यांचे म्हणणे आज मी स्वतः ऐकून घेतले. त्यांच्या मागण्या रास्त असून सरकार नव्या धोरणात योग्य ते बदल करेल, असे आश्वासन दिले.
माझा… pic.twitter.com/8hAxiZDuLA"It has always been my endeavor to ensure that the rights of small and large businesses are protected and that they receive justice for their livelihood. I am committed to finding a solution by fostering coordination between the government and the driver-owners," he further wrote.
In a video seen by NDTV Profit, cab driver's Union leader Keshav Kshirsagar at Azad Maidan protest yesterday was heard talking about,"Until the rates are increased as per our demand we will keep the strike on."
He also urged the union people to make the drivers who don't follow the strike understand like a younger brother, "a elder brother can slap his younger brother if he doesn't listen."
Meanwhile, social media has also been flooded with such instances and complaints about delay in getting cabs, cancellation and deboarding.
@UberIN_Support
July 16, 2025
When is the Mumbai Uber driver strike going to end.
It started from yesterday and again there are no cabs on the road
Can't find any cab to go to the airport.
Kindly request you to sort this outGood morning @Uber_India my cab was canceled twice automatically and once the driver is calling n telling why are you booking.. we are on strike in #Mumbai if that is the case pl don't take bookings and inform on your home page the issue
July 15, 2025
Anyway walked to main road from house…What a weird morning.
July 15, 2025
Booked an @Uber_India from Parel to BKC for my usual work route. The ride turned into a tech glitch + billing mess + driver strike + mob scene + rains.
🧵Some users also posted about the harassment received by those not participating in the strike.
Ola uber driver dadagiri during strike at dombivli pic.twitter.com/g2sLSFRWij
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