Auto, Taxi Drivers Protest/Strike App-Based Services
A two-day strike by auto and taxi drivers in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on
Thursday disrupted transportation services, highlighting the growing tensions between
traditional drivers and app-based cab aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido. The strike,
organized by various unions, was a protest against the perceived threat these aggregators
pose to the livelihoods of traditional drivers.
The primary demand of the striking drivers was a complete ban on app-based cab services.
They argued that these companies, particularly Ola, Uber, and Rapido, were using privately
owned vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and scooters, to transport passengers. This
practice, they claimed, was unfair competition that was eating into their earnings and
putting their jobs at risk.
Kishan Verma, president of the Delhi Auto Taxi Transport Congress Union, emphasized the
economic impact of app-based cabs on traditional drivers. “The strike is to save the jobs
and provide for the families of auto and taxi drivers,” he stated. He pointed out that while
passengers pay aggregators around Rs. 20 per kilometer, traditional drivers receive only Rs.
8-9 per kilometer. This disparity, coupled with rising CNG prices, has made it difficult for
traditional drivers to earn a sustainable living.
Impact on Passengers and the City
The strike had a noticeable impact on passengers, particularly during peak hours. Many
commuters reported longer waiting times and fewer available taxis and autos. Vishal
Thakur, a resident of Dwarka, described the situation as: “Every day I take an auto to reach
Dwarka More metro station from my home. Today, I saw there were fewer numbers of autos
available in the area, and I had to wait for some time to get an auto.”
While the strike was widespread, not all unions participated. Rajendra Soni, general
secretary of the Delhi Auto Rickshaw Sangh, indicated that his union and several others
were not involved because app-based cabs were not direct competitors of autos. He
argued that the strike was ineffective as many autos and the kali-pili taxis in Delhi
continued to operate.
The Role of App-Based Cabs
App-based cab aggregators have become increasingly popular in India, offering passengers
convenient and affordable transportation options. However, their rise has also led to
concerns about labor rights, fair competition, and the impact on traditional modes of
transportation. These companies have argued that they provide a valuable service and
have created new job opportunities.
Government Intervention
The government has been caught in the middle of the conflict between traditional drivers
and app-based cab companies. While there have been efforts to regulate the industry,
finding a balance between protecting the interests of both parties has proven challenging.
The strike highlighted the need for clear policies and regulations to address the concerns of
traditional drivers and ensure fair competition in the transportation sector.
The strike by auto and taxi drivers in all over Delhi and the NCR underscored the growing
tensions between the traditional modes of transportation in the area and app-based cab
aggregators. The conflict has raised important questions about the future of the
transportation industry in India and the need for policies that address the concerns of all
stakeholders. As the country continues to urbanize and develop, finding sustainable
solutions to these challenges will be crucial.
