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Can’t find a cab from Uber, Ola, Rapido today? Know the reason for driver strike
Samira Vishwas | February 8, 2026 4:24 AM CST

Today (February 7, 2026) commuters across India faced disruption as drivers of Ola, Uber, Rapido, Porter, and other app-based platforms went on a nationwide “All India Breakdown” strike to protest against exploitative practices, and went offline for at least six hours (often more). Led by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), with support from IFAT, Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha and other groups, the protest highlights problems like falling incomes, rising costs (fuel, mandatory panic buttons, compliance), arbitrary pricing by aggregators and poor enforcement of rules.

In a statement shared on

The main demands stated in a letter to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari:
– Immediate announcement of **minimum base fare** for app-based taxis, auto and bike taxis, to be decided by the Central/State Governments in consultation with recognized driver unions (as per the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025).
– Appointment of a government overseer to ensure transparency in fares and safeguard livelihoods.
– Strict ban on commercial use of private/non-commercial vehicles, or mandatory conversion to commercial category, to prevent “illegal” operations.

The strike follows recent gig worker protests (e.g. Food/Quick-Commerce over underpayment in December 2025). Major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kolkata saw low availability, long waiting times and surge pricing, although some services continued.

Ride-hailing firms have not commented much on this. Unions are warning that protests could escalate if demands are not met, highlighting the ongoing tensions in India’s gig economy. For updates, check app status or local news, as impact may vary by region.


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