Mumbai Ola-Uber Drivers’ Strike Enters Day 2; Commuters Hit Hard As Protest Grows Over Low Fares, Gig Worker Rights
For the second consecutive day, daily commuters across Mumbai are facing major transportation disruptions as a large section of Ola and Uber drivers continue their protest against fare policies, operational practices, and alleged exploitation by aggregator platforms.
The strike, which began on Tuesday, has gathered momentum with drivers from across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) assembling at Azad Maidan near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). The drivers are demanding fare rationalisation, parity with traditional meter rates, a cap on the number of cab and auto permits, and stronger protections for gig workers.
Adding to the chaos, Mumbai Airport authorities have issued an advisory warning travellers of potential disruptions to transport services to and from the airport. “In light of ongoing protests in the state, passengers travelling via #MumbaiAirport are advised to check transport availability and plan alternate arrangements in advance,” the airport authority posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday.
Drivers Allege Exploitation by Aggregators
At the heart of the protest is the claim that aggregator companies like Ola and Uber are exploiting drivers by charging high commission rates and paying them as little as Rs 8–9 per kilometre—an amount drivers say is grossly inadequate given rising fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and daily operational expenses.
“We are being bullied and cheated by aggregator companies. We refuse to suffer in silence anymore,” said one agitated driver.
The protest has spilled over to other parts of MMR, with reports emerging of striking drivers attempting to stop working Ola and Uber vehicles. Some commuters have shared distressing experiences, saying they were forced to exit rides mid-trip due to threats from protesters.
Rakesh Shah, a commuter from Mulund, said, “Four to five men were stopping Ola and Uber cabs near Check Naka, making drivers end trips and threatening to beat them or damage their vehicles if they didn’t comply.”
Another commuter, Sudhakar Shinde from Ambernath, recounted, “Ola drivers were threatening and assaulting other drivers, warning them against picking up passengers. I finally managed to find an auto after a long wait.”
Union leaders involved in the protest have also raised the larger issue of worker exploitation within the gig economy. “Despite repeated promises, there is no implementation of the Maharashtra Gig Workers’ Act. The government must take immediate steps to regulate this sector,” said a union representative at the protest.
Many drivers say the unchecked rise of bike taxis, lack of welfare support, and frequent arbitrary deactivations have plunged them into financial insecurity especially those still repaying loans for their vehicles.
Meanwhile, Rizwan Sheikh, a union leader representing Ola and Uber drivers, told the Free Press Journal (FPJ) on Wednesday, “Ours was a one-day dharna (protest), not a strike. We have already submitted our demands to the Transport Minister.”
However, Sheikh was unable to clearly explain why drivers continued to gather at Azad Maidan on Wednesday as well, raising slogans and staging demonstrations, despite the protest being described as a one-day event.
Key Demands
Fare rationalisation in line with RTO (Regional Transport Office) tariffs.
A strict ban on bike taxis, which they argue threaten their livelihoods.
A cap on the number of taxi and auto permits issued to control oversupply.
Immediate activation of the Welfare Board for rickshaw and taxi drivers, with representation from labor unions
.Reinstatement of suspended driver accounts, which they say are often deactivated due to unverified complaints
A fair and transparent grievance redressal mechanism to handle disputes with aggregator platformst
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