In a move likely to disrupt passenger travel, app-based taxi drivers in Nagpur have announced an indefinite “no pickup, no drop” strike at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport starting April 14. The protest is against what drivers call “systematic exploitation” by cab aggregators such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido.
The agitation is being led by the Taxi Vehicle Drivers and Owners Joint Action Committee, Nagpur, and will continue until their demands are met, raising concerns of major inconvenience for air travellers.
“We are facing constant financial and operational pressure due to arbitrary policies of aggregator companies. Despite repeated requests, no relief has been provided,” said committee president Deepak Sane.
As part of the protest, drivers will completely stop pickup and drop services at the airport. However, they said the protest will remain peaceful and within the law, with vehicles stationed without blocking traffic.
Key demands include a ban on bike taxi services like Rapido, implementation of RTA-approved fare structures across platforms without discounts or manipulation, insurance protection for drivers and compensation for families in case of accidents, a ban on loss-making long-distance pickups, introduction of XL category vehicles, and prepaid taxi booths at railway stations and the airport under transport department control.
The drivers have also proposed a government-backed alternative — the “Orange City Taxi Service” under the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) — as a long-term solution.
The protest also highlights safety concerns related to bike taxis. The union referred to a recent fatal accident involving a Rapido rider in Nagpur, stressing the risks of what they describe as unregulated services. They have demanded strict action, including removal of such apps from app stores and enforcement of transport rules.
The committee stated that the protest is a legitimate exercise of their right to livelihood and peaceful demonstration. They warned that if their demands are not addressed, the strike will continue, and authorities along with aggregator companies will be responsible for the inconvenience caused to commuters.
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