Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 17: The streets of Mumbai witnessed heightened commuter chaos for the second consecutive day as thousands of Ola and Uber drivers continued their strike, demanding fair fares and better working conditions. The protest, which began on July 15, has seen a surge in participation, with drivers from various parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) assembling at Azad Maidan, near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).
Frustration among the drivers has reached a boiling point. Their key grievance centres around what they term "unrealistic" fare structures. Drivers allege that they earn merely Rs 8–Rs 9 per kilometre, a rate they say falls drastically short of covering fuel expenses, maintenance, and loan repayments.
Among other demands raised are a complete ban on bike taxi services such as Rapido, a cap on auto and cab permits to prevent market saturation, and the reactivation of driver accounts suspended by the app aggregators. Protesters also insist on a formal welfare board and a reliable grievance redressal system to address their long-standing issues.
"We’re being squeezed dry. High commission cuts by Ola and Uber leave us with nothing at the end of the day," said one of the striking drivers.
The situation has had a direct impact on airport travel. With several cab services offline, the Mumbai International Airport issued a public advisory on social media platform X, urging travellers to pre-arrange their transport and brace for delays. Several passengers reported missed flights and last-minute panic due to unavailability of rides.
The ripple effects were also felt in suburban areas, with some drivers reportedly being stopped mid-ride by protesters. One commuter, Rakesh Shah from Mulund, said, “My ride was cancelled abruptly after the driver was confronted by striking drivers. It was an alarming experience.”
With no resolution in sight, commuters across the city are bracing for continued disruption, as talks between app-based platforms and driver representatives remain inconclusive.