Ola, Uber, and Rapido Strike in Mumbai: Why Are App-Based Cab Drivers on Strike? All You Need to Know

Thousands of passengers in Mumbai continue to face transport delays as the strike by app-based cab drivers entered its fifth day on Friday. Drivers working with Uber, Ola, and Rapido have kept their vehicles off the road since July 15. The protest has caused a severe shortage of cab services. Business travellers and airport-bound passengers are among the worst affected. Long waiting times and lack of vehicles have become daily problems. Key areas such as Mumbai Airport, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Andheri, and South Mumbai remain the most impacted.

The strike is led by groups including Maharashtra Gig Kamgar Manch, Maharashtra Rajya Rashtriya Kamgar Sangh, and Indian Gig Workers Front. Drivers demand fair pay, better regulations, and legal protection. They say their earnings have dropped to just Rs 8 to Rs 12 per kilometre after deductions for commissions, fuel, and vehicle maintenance. Many say these conditions do not provide a living wage.

One main demand is to bring app-based cab fares in line with black-and-yellow taxis. Drivers also want a ban on bike taxis, a limit on new permits for black-and-yellow cabs and auto-rickshaws, and the creation of a welfare board. They call for a Maharashtra Gig Workers' Act to protect app-based drivers legally.

Drivers have raised concerns over platform discounts. They say the cost of promotional fares is deducted from their income and argue that companies should bear these costs.

The Maharashtra government has prepared a draft policy for aggregator services but has not announced formal regulations. Meanwhile, disputes between drivers, platforms, and commuters continue.

Mumbai Airport issued a travel advisory urging passengers to plan ahead and expect delays. Transport officials met the drivers on July 18 and asked them to wait until July 22 for the next talks.

According to reports, transport department officials met the protesting drivers on July 18 and asked them to wait until July 22 for further talks.