Hyderabad App-Based Transport Strike Causes Limited Weekend Disruption
The all-India strike by app-based transport workers on Saturday resulted in mild disruptions across Hyderabad, with commuters experiencing slightly elevated fares and extended wait times on popular cab and bike taxi platforms. However, the overall impact remained notably contained, largely attributed to the weekend's reduced traffic and the robust availability of metro rail services, which served as a crucial alternative for many residents.
Strike Impact: Uneven and Muted in Hyderabad
While the protest led to widespread operational halts in several major cities nationwide, its effect in Hyderabad was patchy and less severe. A significant segment of drivers chose to continue operating despite the shutdown call, citing pressing financial obligations. "We stand in solidarity with the protest, but the reality is we cannot afford to forfeit even a single day's earnings. There are vehicle EMIs, escalating fuel costs, and daily family expenses to manage," explained one driver who remained on the road, speaking to reporters.
The nationwide strike was organized under the joint banner of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT). Union leaders asserted that participation exceeded six lakh drivers across India, including an estimated one lakh drivers in Hyderabad affiliated with major platforms such as Ola, Uber, Rapido, and Porter.
Core Demands: Falling Incomes and Regulatory Inaction
According to union representatives, the primary objective of the protest was to spotlight the declining incomes and perceived exploitation faced by gig workers. They placed blame squarely on both central and state governments for failing to officially notify minimum base fares as stipulated under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines-2025. This inaction, they argue, allows aggregator companies to unilaterally set fares without adequate worker consultation.
Shaik Salauddin, Founder-President of TGPWU and National General Secretary of IFAT, emphasized the strike's role as a warning to policymakers. "Despite clear regulatory guidelines, governments have consistently failed to take decisive action. Aggregators are dictating fare structures, compelling workers to endure 14 to 16-hour workdays merely to survive. Our fundamental demand is the immediate notification of minimum base fares, developed in consultation with recognized unions, coupled with stringent enforcement of commercial vehicle norms," he stated.
Commuters Navigate Mixed Experiences
Commuters across Hyderabad reported varied experiences, heavily influenced by their specific locations and reliance on app-based transport. An auditor from Bolarum described noticeable inconvenience: "Securing a booking took considerably longer than usual, and surge pricing rendered it economically impractical. I was forced to reschedule meetings and resort to local transport options. Had this occurred on a weekday, the disruption would have been far more severe."
In Erragadda, commuter Sudhakar Narne noted that services were available but unpredictable. "Vehicle availability was somewhat reduced, though traditional autorickshaws continued to operate. The day required additional planning and patience," he remarked.
Conversely, many residents highlighted the reliability of Hyderabad's metro rail network in mitigating the strike's effects. S Venkateshwarlu, a resident of Moti Nagar, shared, "Even when cabs are scarce, the metro remains a dependable option. It effectively cushions the community against the full impact of such industrial actions."
Weekend Timing Softens Blow, But Future Warnings Issued
The strategic choice of Saturday for the strike significantly softened its overall impact. With fewer office commuters on the roads and metro services operating at full capacity, the city avoided major gridlock. However, union leaders cautioned that the underlying issues remain critically unresolved. They issued a stern warning of more intense and disruptive actions in the future if governments fail to initiate constructive dialogue and rigorously enforce existing regulations designed to protect gig workers' rights and livelihoods.
