Cab and auto-rickshaw drivers across the country will observe a nationwide one-day strike on February 7, 2026, to protest against illegal bike taxi operations and what they describe as arbitrary fare policies imposed by app-based aggregators such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido. The strike aims to draw the government’s attention to long-standing issues affecting driver livelihoods and public safety.
For several months, driver unions have been staging protests and submitting representations to authorities. Despite repeated directives from the Transport Department instructing app-based companies to adhere to government-approved regulations, unions allege that violations continue unchecked, with little enforcement action taken against the companies.
A major concern raised by the drivers is the continued operation of illegal bike taxi services, particularly in metropolitan cities such as Mumbai. Union leaders claim these services have contributed to fatal accidents, leaving some victims dead and others permanently disabled. Since bike taxi services remain illegal in many states, accident victims are often denied insurance coverage, raising serious concerns over safety and accountability.
Drivers have also alleged widespread financial exploitation related to panic button compliance. Although 140 panic button device providers are approved by the central government, nearly 70 percent have reportedly been declared unauthorised by the state government. As a result, drivers have been forced to remove existing devices and spend approximately ₹12,000 on new installations.
Another key issue cited is the government’s open auto-rickshaw permit policy, which has led to an oversupply of vehicles on city roads. Driver unions say this has significantly reduced earnings while worsening traffic congestion.
The nationwide strike is being organised to demand strict regulatory enforcement, improved road safety, and fair policies for gig and transport workers, said Dr. Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, President of the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha and the Indian Gig Workers Forum.
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