Taxi drivers across Madhya Pradesh are preparing for a statewide agitation, accusing app-based cab aggregators of following arbitrary fare practices and demanding that the state government introduce a fixed fare policy.
The Bhopal Taxi Drivers’ Union, affiliated with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, and the Taxi Union Kalyan Samiti Sarv Bharat have announced a series of protests in August. The unions are also considering an indefinite agitation, although its final date has not yet been decided.
Rally Planned Across Bhopal on August 15
The first major programme will be held on August 15, when taxi drivers plan to take out a rally from Boat Club to Lalghati in Bhopal.
Javed Khan, Bhopal in-charge of Taxi Union Kalyan Samiti Sarv Bharat, said the rally would remain peaceful and follow constitutional norms. The unions intend to use the demonstration to put their demands before the Madhya Pradesh government.
This will be followed by a state-level protest between August 18 and 20, with drivers from different parts of Madhya Pradesh expected to participate.
Taxi Unions Threaten Protest Outside CM’s Residence
The unions have also announced plans to gherao the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister’s residence as part of their campaign.
The decision was taken during a meeting of taxi drivers and union representatives at Chinar Park in Bhopal on Saturday. Leaders said the broader protest is aimed at forcing the government to intervene in the fare system followed by ride-hailing platforms.
Drivers Demand Government-Approved Fare Structure
At the centre of the dispute is the absence of what the unions describe as a clear and permanent government-approved taxi fare policy in Madhya Pradesh.
The unions allege that companies including Ola, Uber and Rapido have significant control over fares, resulting in rates that drivers say do not adequately account for their operating expenses.
They are seeking a standardised fare structure that would apply across the state.
Their proposed rates include a base fare of ₹50–60, a time charge of ₹1–1.50 per minute and a distance charge of ₹22–30 per kilometre, depending on the category of vehicle.
Drivers Raise Concern Over Private Vehicles and Bike Taxis
Taxi unions have also objected to private vehicles allegedly being used for commercial operations. They claim that illegal bike taxis and other unregistered commercial services are affecting the income of authorised taxi operators.
Rajesh Kumar Nagle, general secretary of the Bhopal Taxi Drivers’ Union, said drivers from across Madhya Pradesh would be encouraged to join the larger state-level protest.
The union has maintained that the government should first determine the applicable fares and then require aggregator companies to implement those rates.
Earlier Airport Ride Boycott Failed to Resolve Dispute
The latest agitation follows a three-day airport ride boycott by taxi drivers on June 23, 24 and 25.
The union claimed that aggregators temporarily increased fares following the boycott but later returned to their earlier pricing structure.
Drivers now say they are seeking more than a percentage-based increase. Their demand is for a comprehensive fare mechanism covering the base charge, waiting or time-based charges and per-kilometre rates.
With protests scheduled throughout August, the dispute between taxi unions, aggregators and the state government could intensify in the coming days.
