An app-based cab drivers’ union has announced an indefinite hunger strike starting Monday at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, intensifying its protest over long-standing grievances.
The strike, described as a ‘fast
unto death’, aims to press for stricter enforcement against illegal bike taxi operations and the implementation of government-approved fare structures on aggregator platforms.
Key Demands: Crackdown On Bike Taxis, Fair Fare Implementation
According to a report in The Times Of India, the protesting drivers have raised two primary demands: immediate action against unauthorised bike taxi services operating in violation of existing regulations, and strict adherence by aggregator companies to fares approved by the government. According to the union, these issues have been affecting their earnings and creating an uneven playing field within the transport sector.
Drivers have accused major ride-hailing platforms such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido of continuing to operate in violation of regulatory norms despite repeated warnings from the transport department. They allege that these companies have been disregarding official directives without facing adequate consequences.
However, the aggregator firms have denied these allegations, maintaining that they comply with applicable rules.
Union Slams Authorities For Inaction
Union leader Keshav Kshirsagar criticised the authorities for what he described as ineffective enforcement, despite multiple protests and representations made by drivers over time.
He termed the situation ‘alarming’, stating that government agencies appear unable to assert control over large multinational aggregator companies.
Statewide Protests Alongside Mumbai
The protest is not limited to Mumbai alone. Under the campaign titled ‘Give Justice to the Transport Minister’, cab drivers plan to stage demonstrations across Maharashtra. Along with the hunger strike at Azad Maidan, parallel protests will be held at the District Collector’s Office in Pune and at Samvidhan Chowk in Nagpur.
According to Kshirsagar, these protests will continue simultaneously at multiple locations across the state until their demands are addressed, signalling an escalation in the ongoing conflict between drivers and aggregator platforms.
