Uber, Ola, Rapido Drivers Stage Nationwide Strike Over Panic Button Installation Costs
In a significant show of protest, app-based taxi and autorickshaw drivers across India observed a day-long strike on Saturday, February 7, 2026. The strike was called by the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha, a union representing drivers, to highlight multiple demands, with the mandatory installation of panic buttons emerging as a central issue causing severe financial strain.
Financial Burden from Panic Button Mandate
The union claimed that the panic button requirement has imposed an unnecessary financial burden on drivers. According to their statement, while the Central government has approved 140 panic button device providers, state authorities have declared nearly 70% of these companies unauthorised. This discrepancy forces drivers to remove previously installed devices and spend approximately Rs 12,000 each to install new ones, leading to significant hardship.
This situation has sparked outrage among drivers, who argue that the policy implementation is flawed and disproportionately affects their livelihoods. The strike aimed to draw attention to this and other grievances, including demands for a minimum base fare and better redressal mechanisms.
Broader Demands and Industry Concerns
Beyond the panic button issue, the drivers' body raised concerns about several other factors impacting their income. These include:
- An increase in autorickshaws under the open permit policy, which they say reduces earnings due to heightened competition.
- Allegations that victims of accidents involving illegal bike taxis are denied insurance benefits, adding to safety and financial risks.
- Protests against "illegal" bike taxi services and "arbitrary" fare policies set by ride aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido.
The nationwide strike underscores growing tensions in India's gig economy, where drivers are increasingly vocal about fair treatment and policy reforms. As the industry evolves, such actions highlight the need for balanced regulations that consider both passenger safety and driver welfare.
This event marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue between ride-hailing companies, government bodies, and driver unions, with potential implications for future policies and labor relations in the sector.
