July 16, 2025: Ola, Uber Strike – Thousands of Ola and Uber drivers across Maharashtra staged a massive strike on Tuesday, converging at Azad Maidan in Mumbai to demand rationalisation of fares and key reforms aimed at improving their working conditions. The protest was joined by gig workers from food delivery platforms as frustration among app-based drivers and workers continues to mount.
The strike caused major disruption across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), with incidents of passengers being forced to exit mid-journey reported in several areas including Vikhroli, Uran, and Thane.
Protesters’ Five Key Demands
The drivers, supported by several unions, have outlined five primary demands:
- Rationalisation of fares to reflect rising fuel and maintenance costs
- Parity with government-regulated meter cab rates
- Immediate ban on bike taxis, which they say violate safety and licensing norms
- Cap on permits issued for cabs and autos to prevent market saturation
- Implementation of the Maharashtra Gig Workers’ Act and activation of the driver welfare board
Chaos on the Streets: Passengers Stranded
Commuters reported alarming experiences across the city. At Vikhroli LBS Road, cab user Sikandar Shaikh described a frightening encounter:
“Four to five men were stopping Ola and Uber cabs, forcing drivers to end trips and threatening to beat them or damage their vehicles if they didn’t comply.”
In Uran, other passengers reported being stranded for hours, with some drivers assaulted or intimidated by striking workers.
Drivers Speak Out
Many drivers who travelled from cities like Nagpur, Pune, and Nashik voiced long-standing concerns about exploitative conditions.
“Despite bans, bike taxis continue to operate. The transport department takes no action. There’s no rule of law,” said one Mumbai-based cab driver.
Another driver from Nagpur added,
“We are being bullied and cheated by aggregator companies. We refuse to suffer in silence anymore.”
Government Yet to Respond
Despite the disruption and scale of the protest, state transport officials have yet to issue a formal response. Drivers are threatening to escalate the agitation if their demands are not addressed promptly.
The Maharashtra Gig Workers’ Act, passed earlier this year, is seen as a potential game-changer. However, its implementation remains stalled — a key point of contention among gig workers and drivers.
What It Means for Commuters
With strike action likely to continue if no resolution is reached, commuters may face continued disruptions in app-based cab and auto services, particularly during peak hours.