Delhi auto, taxi drivers begin 2-day strike against app-based cab services

Commuters in Delhi-NCR experienced significant disruptions as taxi and autorickshaw drivers initiated a two-day strike on Thursday, demanding improved compensation from cab aggregator services.

Taxi and auto unions expressed concerns that inadequate compensation, combined with the introduction of bike taxi services by aggregators, has severely impacted their livelihoods.

According to Kishan Verma, president of the Delhi Auto Taxi Transport Congress Union (DATTCU), 80 per cent of autorickshaws and taxis in the national capital are off the roads. He also announced plans for a protest at Jantar Mantar.

Anil Pradhan, a cab driver, called for a ban on bike taxis that operate using non-commercial number plates. “The government should intervene and prohibit the commercial use of vehicles with non-commercial number plates. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to make a living,” he said.

Another cab driver, Adarsh Tiwari, added, “The companies pay us very little for our services, making it hard to cover vehicle installments and other expenses. We struggle to provide a good education for our children and adequate food for our families”.

Many people took to social media to voice their frustrations over delays in getting cabs and frequent cancellations.

“Spent the last 35 minutes trying to get a cab in Noida for Delhi. What’s wrong with @Olacabs @Uber_India @rapidobikeapp,” posted X user Prashhush.

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Another X user, Kshitiz Agarwal, shared his experience: “Is it only me or Uber doesn’t work anymore? Couldn’t find an Uber cab for 30 minutes, even in posh localities like South Extension, New Delhi #uber #ola”.

DATTCU president Verma reiterated, “We will also be holding a protest at Jantar Mantar to demand a ban on the use of private vehicles by cab aggregator companies. Why are we required to obtain permits and pay taxes while private vehicles are allowed to operate? We demand that the government impose a ban on them”.  (With inputs from PTI)