Commuters across India may experience major travel disruptions on Saturday, February 7, as drivers associated with app-based ride-hailing platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido have announced a nationwide strike. The protest, being referred to as the “All India Breakdown,” is expected to see thousands of drivers switching off their apps for the day, significantly reducing the availability of cabs, auto-rickshaws and bike taxis in several cities.
The strike has been organised by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) in coordination with multiple national labour bodies. The union has called on app-based transport workers across the country to participate in the shutdown, citing long-standing issues related to earnings, regulation and job security. According to the union, the protest aims to highlight what it describes as systemic exploitation within the gig economy.
Announcing the shutdown on social media platform X, the union stated that app-based drivers are protesting against the absence of minimum fares, lack of government regulation and continued pressure on workers through algorithm-driven pricing models. The post said drivers have been pushed into an unsustainable working environment with shrinking incomes and rising operational costs.
The primary grievance raised by drivers revolves around fare determination. The union alleges that ride-hailing companies such as Ola, Uber, Rapido and Porter operate without any government-mandated fare structure, allowing platforms to unilaterally fix prices for auto, cab and bike taxi services. According to drivers, this has led to unpredictable earnings, frequent fare cuts and increased dependence on incentives that are often difficult to achieve.
In a letter addressed to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, the union flagged what it termed long-pending and unresolved issues faced by app-based transport workers across the country. It argued that the absence of regulatory oversight has weakened job security and left drivers with little clarity on pricing, commissions and penalties imposed by platforms.
The union has placed a set of formal demands before the Centre and state governments, citing provisions under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. Among the key demands is the immediate notification of minimum base fares for app-based transport services, including autos, cabs, bike taxis and other aggregator services. The union has stressed that fare fixation should be carried out in consultation with recognised driver and worker unions, in line with the guidelines.
Another major demand includes a strict ban on the use of private, non-commercial vehicles for commercial passenger or goods transport. Alternatively, the union has called for mandatory conversion of such vehicles into the commercial category, as required under the Motor Vehicles Act and the Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. Drivers argue that the unchecked use of private vehicles has increased competition and further reduced earnings for licensed commercial operators.
If the strike sees widespread participation, commuters in metropolitan cities as well as smaller towns could face difficulty finding app-based transport throughout the day. Reduced availability of services may result in longer waiting times and increased pressure on public transport systems. Passengers planning essential travel on February 7 are advised to make alternative arrangements in advance.
The nationwide shutdown reflects growing unrest among India’s gig workforce, particularly in the app-based transport sector. As platform-driven employment continues to expand, the strike has once again brought the spotlight on the need for clearer regulations, transparent fare systems and stronger protections for workers whose livelihoods depend on these digital platforms.