Nationwide Strike on Feb 7: Uber, Ola, Rapido Drivers to Halt Services

Travelers across India may face disruptions on Saturday, February 7, as drivers associated with ride-hailing platforms Ola, Uber, and Rapido have announced a nationwide strike. The protest, termed the “All India Breakdown”, will see drivers collectively switching off their apps to highlight long-standing grievances.

Who Is Organising the Strike?

The strike has been called by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) along with other national labor groups. In a post on X, the union stated: “App-based transport workers across India will observe an All India Breakdown on 7 Feb 26. No minimum fares. No regulation. Endless exploitation.”

Why Drivers Are Protesting

In a letter to Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, the union raised concerns about the absence of government-fixed fare systems. Currently, companies like Ola, Uber, Rapido, and Porter set fares independently, leading to:

• Income insecurity

• Exploitation of workers

• Unsustainable working conditions

The union urged the government to intervene, claiming millions of drivers are being pushed into poverty while aggregator firms continue to profit.

Drivers’ Key Demands

Referring to the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, the union listed demands including:

• Immediate notification of minimum base fares for autos, cabs, bike taxis, and other aggregator services, finalized after consultation with driver unions.

• A strict ban on the use of private, non-commercial vehicles for passenger and goods transport, or mandatory conversion into commercial vehicles under the Motor Vehicles Act and Aggregator Guidelines.

Impact on Commuters

Passengers should expect travel inconvenience during the strike, though the level of disruption may vary by region. Those relying on app-based autos, cabs, and bike taxis are advised to plan alternative travel arrangements, especially during peak morning and evening hours.