Ola, Uber Strike In Mumbai: Protesting Cabbies Block Car With ‘Bharat Sarkar’ Sticker

Mumbai: On the third day of the ongoing Ola-Uber drivers' strike, tensions escalated when a striking driver intercepted a non-participating driver who was operating a private vehicle marked with a "Bharat Sarkar" sticker.

A video of the incident, shared by the account @ChandivaliCCWA on X, shows the vehicle in question carrying the registration number MH02GE2832 with a "Bharat Sarkar – Upkram" sticker displayed on it. The video captured striking drivers questioning the legitimacy of the sticker and stopping the car.

On the third day of the Ola Uber drivers' strike, drivers on strike caught a non-participating driver driving a private vehicle with a Govt. of Maharashtra sticker on it. Drivers on strike are stopping drivers who are not participating in the strike.@MTPHereToHelp… pic.twitter.com/LLJOotUum6

— Chandivali Citizens Welfare Association (CCWA) (@ChandivaliCCWA) July 17, 2025

Uber, Ola Strike Hits Travel Plans; Mumbai Airport Urges Flyers To Plan Ahead

Amid the ongoing strike by Uber and Ola drivers across Maharashtra, Mumbai Airport has issued a travel advisory for passengers, warning of potential disruptions in transport services to and from the airport. The protest entered its second day on July 16.

Travellers have been urged to check the availability of cab services in advance and to consider alternate arrangements if needed. The airport has also advised passengers to plan their travel carefully to avoid any inconvenience. The advisory was shared through Mumbai Airport’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, where the authorities also thanked passengers for their patience and cooperation.

In light of ongoing protests in the state, passengers travelling via #MumbaiAirport are advised to check transport availability and plan alternate arrangements in advance.#CSMIA #PassengerAdvisory #Travel #Aviation pic.twitter.com/UnWScJue6U

— Mumbai Airport (@CSMIA_Official) July 16, 2025

A day before, thousands of drivers, including auto-rickshaw operators, cab drivers, and gig workers from across the state, gathered at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. They are protesting what they describe as the transport department’s inaction regarding repeated violations by app-based transport companies.

One of the core demands of the protestors is for the government to take full responsibility for regulating platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido. Despite suspension orders, these companies allegedly continue to run services illegally, including bike taxis and private buses.

In addition, the demonstrators have criticised the central transport ministry for allowing app platforms to charge inflated fares, arguing that such policies favour illegal operations while ignoring the rights of both drivers and commuters.

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