This Is Why Uber, Ola, Rapido Drivers Will Be On Strike Across India Tomorrow

Commuters across India should prepare for a major transport disruption on Saturday, February 7, 2026, as drivers for Uber, Ola, Rapido, and Porter have called for a nationwide strike.

The protest, titled the “All India Breakdown,” is being led by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and is supported by several national labor bodies.

Why are drivers striking?

The core of the protest is a demand for government-regulated pricing. Despite the introduction of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, drivers claim that platforms continue to fix fares arbitrarily.

Key Demands:

Minimum Base Fares: Drivers are demanding that the Central and State governments notify a minimum base fare for all app-based services (autos, cabs, and bike taxis) to ensure income security.
Ban on Private Vehicles: They are calling for a strict ban on using private, non-commercial vehicles for passenger or goods transport, or a mandatory conversion of these vehicles to the commercial category.
Removal of Clause 17.3: The unions want to scrap a clause in the 2025 Guidelines that allows aggregators to price rides up to 50% below the base fare, which they argue forces drivers into poverty.
Income Stability: With nearly 40% of gig workers earning less than ₹15,000 per month (as per the Economic Survey 2025-26), the unions are seeking legally binding safeguards for earnings and working conditions.

What should commuters expect?

Offline for 6 Hours: Most unions have instructed drivers to switch off their apps for a minimum of 6 hours, particularly during peak morning and evening slots.
Regional Variation: The scale of the disruption will vary by city. High-density areas like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad are expected to see the most significant ride shortages and potential surges in pricing for any available cabs.
Alternative Options: Passengers are advised to rely on public transport, such as Metros or local buses, or book local “Kali-Peeli” taxis and independent autos where available.

Quick Stats: The Gig Economy (Feb 2026)

Metric	Current Status
Total Gig Workers	1.2 Crore (up from 77 lakh in 2021)
Share of Workforce	Over 2% of India’s total workforce
Income Trend	40% earn <₹15,000/month
Fuel Price Rise	~25% increase since 2023