Ola,Uber,Rapido drivers will be on strike for few hours on Feb 7

Hyderabad: App-based transport workers’ unions have called for an All-India Breakdown on February 7, warning of widespread disruption to app-based cab, auto and bike taxi services across the country.

The strike call has been given by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), citing falling driver incomes and non-implementation of government-notified base fares under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.

Lack of regulatory enforcement

Drivers and riders associated with platforms such as Ola, Uber, Rapido and Porter are expected to participate in the protest.

In a joint statement, the unions said aggregator companies continue to fix fares without regulatory enforcement, affecting driver earnings and working conditions.

Shaik Salauddin, Founder President of TGPWU and Co-Founder and National General Secretary of IFAT, said the primary demand is the notification of minimum base fares by governments.

He stated, “Immediate notification of minimum base fares for app-based transport services in consultation with recognised worker unions, as mandated under the Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.”

He also called for enforcement action on vehicle classification norms, saying there must be a ‘strict prohibition of private (non-commercial) vehicles being used for commercial passenger and goods transport, or mandatory conversion to commercial category vehicles as per the Motor Vehicles Act and Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.’

Representation to governments

The unions have submitted a formal representation to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, and senior officials at the Centre and State levels.

In the letter, the unions said, “In the absence of government-regulated fare structures, aggregator companies continue to unilaterally fix fares, leading to severe income insecurity, exploitation, and unsustainable working conditions for millions of transport workers.”

They added that the current guidelines already provide for regulatory oversight and fare transparency but require implementation through official notifications.

What do the rules say?

The representation states, “The Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025 clearly mandate regulatory oversight, fare transparency, and protection of driver livelihoods, which must be effectively implemented through enforceable Central and State-level notifications.”

Announcing the strike, the unions said, “As a mark of protest against continued policy inaction and to assert our legitimate demands, app-based transport workers across the country will observe an All-India Breakdown on 7 February 2026.”

They further urged authorities to begin talks, stating, “We urge the concerned authorities to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves and initiate immediate dialogue with worker representatives to ensure fair, lawful, and sustainable regulation of the app-based transport sector.”

Airport issues travel advisory

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), Hyderabad, has issued a passenger advisory ahead of the strike. Authorities said app-based cab, auto and bike taxi services may be unavailable on February 7 due to the pan-India strike by aggregator drivers, though flight operations will not be affected.

Passengers have been advised to plan their commute and allow additional travel time. Available alternatives include prepaid taxis, car rentals and Pushpak airport bus services.

Assistance desks will be available near Aeroplaza for on-ground support.

What is the strike about?

The Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, were issued to regulate app-based transport platforms, covering licensing, fare structures, and driver welfare measures.

Worker unions say that while the framework exists, minimum base fares have not yet been notified in several jurisdictions, allowing platforms to continue dynamic fare setting without a regulated floor. The February 7 strike is intended to press for time-bound implementation and formal consultation with recognised worker unions.