Nagpur’s app-based taxi drivers have launched an indefinite boycott of Ola, Uber, and Rapido, accusing the companies of exploitation, unfair fare policies, and flouting government regulations.
The protest was announced on Monday at a press conference at Ravi Bhavan by leaders of the Vidarbha App-Based Taxi Union and the National Taxi Drivers and Owners Association. The unions warned that if their demands remain unmet, they will surrender their vehicle keys to the district collector for onward submission to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.
Union president Deepak Sane said Ola and Uber have been operating in Maharashtra since 2014, and Rapido since 2020. Initially, these platforms attracted drivers with lucrative incentives, discounts, and schemes. “Many drivers took loans, mortgaged homes, or pledged jewellery to buy vehicles. But with rising fuel prices, vehicle costs, maintenance expenses, and increased taxes, survival has become extremely difficult,” Sane stated.
He further alleged that the companies have repeatedly ignored the Union Government’s Aggregator Guidelines of 2020 and 2025, despite multiple representations. The drivers’ grievances include the failure to align app fares with RTA-approved rates, high commission charges, long pickup distances, rising insurance and permit fees, lack of compensation for COVID-related vehicle damage, unauthorised bike taxi services, and the mandatory advance recharge system.
Their demands include immediate fare updates as per RTA rates, company-funded insurance for drivers and their families, abolition of the advance recharge rule, and installation of prepaid taxi booths at Nagpur railway station and airport.
The unions have vowed to continue the boycott until the state and local authorities enforce RTA-approved fares and other provisions of the aggregator guidelines. They have pledged full support to OV Cabs Private Limited, whose director, Pranay Manekar, has assured adherence to all government rules.
In an appeal to the public, the unions have urged Nagpur residents and visitors to avoid booking rides via Ola, Uber, and Rapido, and instead opt for OV Cabs for a fair and reliable service.
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