Nagpur Cab and Auto Drivers Call Strike Over Fare Violations and Illegal Bike Taxis
Nagpur is witnessing a major transport crisis as cab and autorickshaw drivers have announced a strike for Saturday. The protest is a direct response to widespread fare violations by app-based cab operators and the unchecked proliferation of illegal bike taxi services in the city.
RTA Fare Rules Openly Flouted by App-Based Companies
According to the Nagpur Regional Transport Authority (RTA), city cab fares were officially fixed in a resolution passed in May 2025. The regulations stipulate that standard taxis must charge Rs 26 per kilometer, while pool cab vehicles are permitted to charge 20% higher at Rs 31.68 per kilometer. During non-peak hours, cab drivers are entitled to receive a minimum of Rs 23.76 per kilometer.
However, drivers allege that app-based cab companies are forcing them to operate at drastically reduced rates, as low as Rs 14–15 per kilometer. This blatant disregard for RTA norms has severely impacted driver earnings and sparked widespread anger within the transport community.
Autorickshaw Drivers Join Protest Against Arbitrary Fare Structures
Autorickshaw drivers have raised similar grievances, claiming that platforms like Ola and Uber continue to impose arbitrary fare structures despite RTO orders mandating meter-based fares. Key leaders, including organisation president Keshav Kshirsagar, Indian Gig Front Workers (IGFW) city president Deepak Bhandarkar, vice-president Manoj Tagde, Ajay Nimje, Vikrant Dhurve, and Narendra Khandagle, have highlighted these violations as a primary cause for the strike.
Illegal Bike Taxis Raise Serious Safety and Insurance Concerns
The situation has been further exacerbated by the rampant operation of illegal bike taxis, which pose significant safety risks. A rise in accidents involving these unauthorized services has been reported, with no insurance cover available in the event of mishaps. The leaders alleged that these apps allow anyone to register as a driver using any name, bypassing regulatory checks and compromising passenger safety.
Panic Button Compliance Issues Add to Driver Burdens
Additional concerns have been flagged regarding panic button compliance in vehicles. While approximately 90% of panic buttons are reportedly installed and functional, the absence of recharge renders them ineffective in emergencies. Drivers are also burdened with the financial cost of purchasing these devices, spending around Rs 15,000 during vehicle passing procedures.
Drivers Demand Government Intervention and Strict Enforcement
In response to these issues, the organisation has demanded immediate and strict enforcement against fare violations and illegal bike taxis. They have formally written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, seeking his direct intervention to address the crisis and uphold RTA regulations.
The strike on Saturday aims to draw urgent attention to these systemic problems, with drivers calling for accountability from app-based operators and regulatory bodies to ensure fair practices and safety standards in Nagpur's transport sector.
