Chandigarh Cab Restrictions Squeeze Drivers; Limit Commuter Choice Amid Monopoly Concerns

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Chandigarh’s ride-hailing market is facing growing concerns as restrictions on major private platforms limit options for drivers and commuters.

Several established private ride-hailing services remain unable to facilitate rides in the city. Government-backed Bharat Taxi continues to operate, leaving passengers with fewer alternatives and drivers with reduced earning opportunities.

For many drivers, ride-hailing provides their primary income. Restrictions across multiple platforms have reduced access to rides while vehicle EMIs, fuel, maintenance, insurance and household costs continue. Their families face additional financial pressure as the disruption persists.

The impact reaches commuters across the Chandigarh-Mohali-Panchkula Tricity. Residents use ride-hailing services for office and college travel, hospital visits, railway station and airport transfers, late-evening journeys and first- and last-mile connectivity.

Multiple platforms allow passengers to compare fares, availability and waiting times. Reduced competition limits these choices and increases dependence on the remaining service.

The situation has raised questions about whether Chandigarh’s ride-hailing market is moving towards an effective monopoly.

Private operators face regulatory and fare-related requirements, while Bharat Taxi continues to operate despite questions over whether its pricing structure meets the same prescribed requirements.

If similar regulatory concerns apply, stakeholders may question why one platform continues operating while private competitors remain restricted.

Healthy competition can encourage better pricing, availability, safety, technology and service quality. Regulation remains essential, but authorities need to apply transparent and consistent rules across operators.

A timely resolution could support affected drivers and restore wider mobility choices for Chandigarh residents.

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Pragati Upadhyay

I report stories and occasionally rescue facts from chaos. By profession, I’m a journalist; by conviction, a social worker who believes words should move people, not just headlines. I question power, celebrate ordinary heroes, and sometimes irritate the comfortable. If truth had a shift, I’d probably be working overtime.