Why Ola, Uber and Rapido Drivers Are Planning a Nationwide Strike on February 7

Mumbai: Cab, auto and bike taxi users across India may experience major travel inconvenience on Saturday, February 7, as thousands of app-based drivers plan to stay off the roads as part of a coordinated nationwide protest. Drivers working with platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido have announced a temporary shutdown of services, which could affect daily commuters, office-goers and airport travellers in several cities.

The protest has been called by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union and is being supported by driver groups from multiple states. As part of the action, drivers are expected to log out of ride-hailing apps for several hours, leading to reduced availability of cabs, auto rickshaws and bike taxis during peak travel time.

Driver unions say the strike is aimed at highlighting serious concerns about falling incomes and rising work pressure in the app-based transport sector. According to them, fare rates are still being decided by aggregator companies without any fixed minimum, despite the introduction of new Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines in 2025. Drivers argue that without government-notified base fares, earnings have steadily declined while working hours have increased.

Unions claim that drivers are now heavily dependent on incentives that are frequently changed or removed by platforms, making income unpredictable. They also allege that certain provisions in the current rules allow companies to offer rides at very low prices, directly impacting driver payments.

Another major issue raised by driver groups is the continued use of private vehicles for commercial passenger services. They have demanded stricter enforcement or a complete stop to such practices, saying it creates unfair competition and puts licensed drivers at a disadvantage.

Driver representatives have warned that if authorities fail to intervene, more workers will be pushed into financial distress even as ride-hailing companies continue to grow. They have urged both the central and state governments to begin immediate talks with recognised unions to frame fair and transparent regulations for the sector.

The February 7 protest is part of a broader wave of unrest among gig workers in India. In recent months, delivery and quick-commerce workers have also staged demonstrations over low payouts and difficult working conditions.