Low Pay And Unsafe Roads? Why Ola, Uber And Rapido Drivers Are Striking Across Delhi-NCR

Drivers affiliated with ride-hailing platforms, including Ola, Uber, and Rapido, observed a one-day strike across Delhi-NCR on Saturday, demanding fairer fares, stronger safety mechanisms, and stricter oversight of aggregator companies.

One driver, who works with both Ola and Uber, said, “I drive for both Ola and Uber, and we are on strike today because the companies’ rates are very low and there has been no increase in fares.”

Another Delhi-based driver explained, “Rates are quite low, that’s why we are on strike. Nowadays, it is becoming difficult to even earn Rs 1,000 per day.”

The agitation also reached Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh, where drivers voiced additional worries about personal safety. Many claimed that companies have failed to introduce effective safety measures, despite repeated incidents involving drivers.

A protesting driver in Ghaziabad said, “The reason for the strike is that we are not receiving fair rates, and our safety is not ensured. Every day, a driver gets harmed, as you may have seen in the news. We are concerned and demand that the company provide us with proper rates.”

Another participant alleged, “We drive for Ola, Uber, Rapido, InDrive and Bharat Taxi across all platforms. None of these companies provide proper safety or fair rates. Companies arbitrarily cut commissions and recover money from us.”

Union Support and Nationwide Call

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU), supported by several labour groups across India, called for the strike. The union accused aggregator companies of adopting unfair pricing policies and operating in a poorly regulated environment.

In a post on social media, the union criticised, “No minimum fares. No regulation. Endless exploitation. Govt must act now. Millions of app-based drivers are pushed into poverty while aggregators profit. Govt silence = platform impunity.”

The union has asked the government to immediately implement minimum base fares for all app-based transport services, including taxis, autorickshaws, and bike taxis, in consultation with recognised worker unions. It has also demanded a prohibition on using private, non-commercial vehicles for commercial transport purposes.

According to union representatives, the protest reflects the continued failure of both Central and State Governments to enforce the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, allowing companies to set fares independently and forcing drivers into longer hours with falling incomes.

Also Read: Safety Lapses Spark Outrage After Biker Dies In Open Pit In Delhi’s Janakpuri