App-Based Cab and Auto Strike to Paralyze Travel in Maharashtra Cities
Commuters across key urban centers in Maharashtra, including Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur, are bracing for significant travel disruptions on Saturday, February 7, 2026. A coalition of driver unions has called for a day-long strike, targeting app-based cab and auto-rickshaw services to protest the state government's failure to implement an aggregator policy and address alleged illegal operations by ride-hailing platforms.
Unions Rally for Policy Enforcement and Fare Compliance
Leading the protest are the Indian Gig Workers Front and the Baghtoy Rickshawala Union, with Keshav Kshirsagar, who heads both organizations, highlighting critical grievances. "Aggregators are operating without valid licenses, a requirement we have adhered to for years," Kshirsagar stated. He emphasized that the refusal of platforms to follow RTO-approved fares is causing widespread inconvenience for both passengers and drivers. Additionally, the unions are demanding strict enforcement against bike taxis operating in parts of Mumbai, which they claim violate regulations.
Drivers affiliated with major platforms such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido are expected to stay off the roads statewide, exacerbating existing issues like drivers demanding higher fares than app-displayed rates and auto-rickshaw drivers insisting on meter-based pricing instead of app-based fares.
Impact on Key Locations and Daily Commuters
The strike is anticipated to cause severe inconvenience at high-traffic areas, notably Pune airport, where app-based bookings through the Aeromall serve as the primary option for hiring cabs. Daily commuters who heavily rely on aggregator services for their transportation needs may find themselves stranded or facing limited alternatives.
However, Kshirsagar clarified that metered auto-rickshaws not linked to aggregator apps will continue operations to minimize passenger disruption. "We anticipated the government would roll out the cab aggregator policy post-municipal corporation elections, but no progress has been made," he lamented, noting that transport officials had previously indicated the policy was near completion.
Mixed Responses from Unions and Historical Context
While some unions are pushing forward with the strike, others advocate for continued service through dialogue. Varsha Shinde, president of the Maa Saheb Cab Sanstha, expressed concerns about the repercussions of a full-scale strike. "After last year's eight-day strike, both passengers and drivers suffered immense inconvenience," Shinde remarked. "We plan to maintain services while engaging the government in discussions to address our demands."
This protest echoes a similar strike last year that left many commuters stranded across Maharashtra, underscoring the ongoing tensions between driver unions, aggregator companies, and regulatory bodies. The outcome of this strike could influence future policy decisions and the operational landscape of app-based transportation in the state.
