Commuters throughout India will experience travel interruptions on Saturday February 7 because drivers who work for Uber Ola and Rapido have declared their intention to stage a national walkout from work. The protest known as the “All India Breakdown” will witness drivers shutting down their applications as they attempt to show their ongoing complaints.

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) together with multiple national worker organizations have organized the strike. The union declared the protest through social media platform X stating that transport workers from all over the nation would stop working on February 7 because they lack basic pay rates and the government fails to provide proper regulations while companies continue to exploit their staff.

The reason for the driver strike

The union reported to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari that app-based transport workers face unresolved issues which have persisted for multiple years.

The union stated that government authorities need to establish mandatory fare guidelines because the current system enables Uber Ola Rapido and Porter to determine their prices without restrictions.

The letter revealed that millions of drivers face financial difficulties while aggregator companies maintain their strong business performance. The union requested that the Centre establish new rules to address the immediate need for regulation.

The unions presented their main demands

The union stated that the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025 require regulatory authorities to oversee operations while implementing specific procedures to establish transparent pricing mechanisms which will safeguard drivers’ ability to earn a living.

The government needs to address these main demands which include:

The Central and state governments need to announce minimum base fares for all app-based transport services which include cabs autos and bike taxis. These fares require establishment through driver union consultations according to the guidelines from 2025.

The Motor Vehicles Act and aggregator guidelines mandate a total prohibition on using private vehicles for commercial purposes unless those vehicles undergo proper commercial designation conversion.

What commuters should expect

During peak morning and evening times, app-based cab and auto and bike taxi passengers will experience disruptions. Commuters should prepare for alternative travel methods on February 7 because different regions will experience various effects from the strike.