App-based drivers to go on pan-India strike on Feb 7, flag unresolved demands

Drivers associated with app-based transport platforms such as Uber, Ola and Rapido have announced a nationwide strike on February 7, which is expected to disrupt ride-hailing services across India. The protest has been called to highlight what driver unions describe as long-pending and unresolved issues faced by app-based transport workers.

In a letter addressed to Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari, the union said that the absence of government-fixed fare systems has left drivers vulnerable. According to the union, companies operating aggregator platforms for autos, cabs and bike taxis arbitrarily decide fares, often resulting in reduced earnings for drivers. The union has demanded immediate notification of minimum base fares by the Central and state governments for all app-based transport services, including autos, cabs, bike taxis and other aggregator-based services. It said these fares should be finalised in consultation with recognised driver and worker unions, in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.

Another major demand raised by the union is a strict ban on the use of private, non-commercial vehicles for commercial passenger and goods transport. Alternatively, the union has sought compulsory conversion of such vehicles into the commercial category, in line with provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and the Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.