Nationwide Strike on February 7 May Disrupt Ola, Uber and Rapido Services Across India
Commuters in several parts of India may face travel disruptions on Saturday, February 7, as drivers associated with app-based ride-hailing platforms such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido plan to go offline as part of a nationwide strike.
The protest, termed the “All India Breakdown”, has been organised by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) in coordination with multiple national labour organisations. As part of the strike, drivers are expected to switch off their apps, significantly reducing the availability of cabs, auto-rickshaws, and bike taxis, according to a report by Hindustan Times.
Why are app-based drivers striking?
In a statement shared on social media platform X, the union said app-based transport workers across the country would observe a shutdown to protest what they described as low fares, lack of regulation, and continued exploitation.
“App-based transport workers across India will observe an All India Breakdown on 7 February. No minimum fares. No regulation. Endless exploitation,” the union said in its post.
The TGPWU has also written to Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, highlighting what it termed long-pending and unresolved issues faced by gig and platform drivers nationwide.
According to the union, ride-hailing platforms such as Ola, Uber, Rapido, and Porter operate without any government-mandated fare structure, allowing companies to determine pricing unilaterally. This, the union claimed, has adversely affected driver incomes and job security.
What are the drivers’ key demands?
The union has urged the government to implement provisions outlined in the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, which call for regulatory oversight, transparent fare mechanisms, and safeguards for driver livelihoods.
Key demands include:
Immediate notification of minimum base fares for app-based transport services — including autos, cabs, bike taxis, and other aggregator services — by both the Centre and state governments. The union said fares should be finalised in consultation with recognised driver and worker unions, in line with the 2025 guidelines.
A strict ban on the use of private, non-commercial vehicles for commercial passenger or goods transport, or mandatory conversion of such vehicles into the commercial category, as required under the Motor Vehicles Act and the Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.
If the strike goes ahead as planned, commuters may need to make alternate travel arrangements, especially in major cities where app-based transport forms a key part of daily mobility.
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