Cab and autorickshaw drivers in Nagpur have called for a strike on Saturday, protesting alleged fare violations by app-based cab aggregators and the unchecked operation of illegal bike taxis, which they say have severely impacted earnings and commuter safety.
Driver unions claim that despite fares being officially fixed by the Nagpur Regional Transport Authority (RTA), app-based platforms are routinely flouting government norms and compelling drivers to operate at rates far below the legally mandated minimum.
Alleged Violation of RTA-Fixed Fares
According to an RTA resolution passed in May 2025, taxi fares in Nagpur are fixed at ₹26 per kilometre, while pool cab services are allowed to charge up to 20 per cent higher, taking the rate to ₹31.68 per kilometre. The resolution also entitles cab drivers to a minimum fare of ₹23.76 per kilometre during non-peak hours.
However, driver representatives allege that app-based cab companies are forcing drivers to accept trips at rates as low as ₹14–15 per kilometre, well below the approved threshold.
“This is open violation of RTA orders. Drivers are being pushed into losses while platforms continue to operate unchecked,” said union leaders associated with the protest.
Autorickshaw Drivers Raise Similar Complaints
Autorickshaw drivers have echoed similar concerns, alleging that platforms such as Ola and Uber impose arbitrary fare structures even though autos are supposed to operate strictly on meter-based rates.
Leaders from the Indian Gig Front Workers (IGWF), including city president Deepak Bhandarkar, vice-president Manoj Tagde, Ajay Nimje, Vikrant Dhurve and Narendra Khandagle, said that repeated representations to authorities have failed to yield corrective action.
“The fare system has become opaque and exploitative. Drivers have no bargaining power once the algorithm decides the rate,” an IGWF office-bearer said.
Illegal Bike Taxis Flagged as Safety Risk
The issue of illegal bike taxis has further intensified the dispute. Driver unions allege that unauthorised bike taxi services are operating freely across the city without valid permits, insurance coverage, or driver verification.
“These bike taxis are a serious safety hazard. In case of accidents, passengers have no insurance protection. Anyone can register using a fake name and start riding,” union leaders alleged.
They also claimed that the rise in such services has coincided with an increase in road accidents, adding to public safety concerns.
Panic Button Compliance Under Question
Drivers also raised concerns about panic button compliance, a mandatory safety requirement. While authorities claim nearly 90 per cent of vehicles are fitted with panic buttons, drivers say many devices are rendered ineffective due to poor battery life and lack of maintenance.
Drivers alleged that they are forced to spend nearly ₹15,000 on panic button devices during vehicle passing, adding to their financial burden without ensuring real safety benefits.
Demand for Government Intervention
The protesting organisations have demanded strict enforcement of fare regulations, immediate action against illegal bike taxis, and regulatory oversight of app-based cab pricing models.
They have also written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, seeking urgent intervention to protect driver livelihoods and commuter safety.
Strike Likely to Disrupt Transport
If the strike proceeds as planned, cab and autorickshaw services across Nagpur are expected to be severely disrupted on Saturday, affecting daily commuters, office-goers, and airport travellers.
Authorities have not yet issued an official response, but transport department officials said they are monitoring the situation.
As tensions rise between gig-economy platforms and ground-level workers, the standoff highlights growing regulatory challenges in India’s app-based transport sector where pricing algorithms, enforcement gaps, and safety concerns continue to collide.
