Ola, Uber, Rapido drivers to go on nationwide strike on February 7; ride services likely disrupted

Cab, auto and bike taxi services may be hit on February 7 as Ola, Uber and Rapido drivers plan a nationwide ‘All India Breakdown’ demanding minimum fares and stricter regulation.

• App-based transport workers to strike nationwide on February 7 for six hours
• Unions seek minimum fares, ban on private vehicles for commercial rides
• Commuters advised to plan alternatives due to expected service disruptions

Did our AI summary help?

Ride-hailing services across India are likely to face disruptions on Saturday, February 7, as gig worker unions representing drivers associated with Ola, Uber and Rapido have called for a nationwide strike, dubbed the ‘All India Breakdown’.

The strike, led by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) along with several national labour bodies, is expected to see app-based transport workers going offline for at least six hours, affecting cabs, auto-rickshaws and bike taxis across major cities.

Why drivers are striking

The unions have accused ride-hailing platforms of arbitrarily fixing fares, despite the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, which were introduced to regulate the sector. According to the workers’ groups, the absence of government-notified minimum base fares has led to falling incomes, exploitation and unsustainable working conditions for millions of drivers.

“Despite Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, platforms continue to fix fares arbitrarily. Our demands are clear: Notify minimum fares. Regulate. End misuse of private vehicles for commercial rides,” the TGPWU said in a post on X, urging the government to intervene.

Despite Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, platforms continue to fix fares arbitrarily.

Our demands are clear: ✅ Notify minimum base fares ✅ End misuse of private vehicles for commercial rides@nitin_gadkari@MORTHIndia@Ponnam_INC@TGRTAIndiapic.twitter.com/VwA03cfj18 — Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (@TGPWU) February 4, 2026

‘All India Breakdown’ announced on X

Announcing the strike on X on Wednesday, the union said: "App-based transport workers across India will observe an All India Breakdown on 7 Feb 26. 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."

Earlier, the TGPWU had also appealed to the government for the immediate notification of government-mandated minimum base fares for aggregator platforms such as Ola, Uber, Rapido and Porter.

Hon’ble @nitin_gadkari ji, @MORTHIndia@Ponnam_INC App-based drivers and riders across India demand government-notified minimum base fares for #Ola, #Uber, #Rapido#Porter other aggregators, as mandated under Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. pic.twitter.com/epMHtJKOXS — Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (@TGPWU) February 1, 2026

Key demands of the unions

The striking unions have put forward two main demands:

• Notification of minimum base fares for app-based transport services, including cabs, autos, bike taxis and other aggregator-led services, to be finalised in consultation with recognised driver unions.
• Ban on the use of private (non-commercial) vehicles for commercial passenger and goods transport, or strict enforcement of mandatory vehicle conversion rules.

In addition, the unions have demanded the removal of Clause 17.3 of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, which permits aggregators to charge fares up to 50% lower than the base fare, calling it harmful to driver earnings.

‘Income insecurity and exploitation’

In a statement, the TGPWU said that continued policy inaction has resulted in income insecurity and deteriorating working conditions for app-based drivers. The union has urged both state and central governments to initiate immediate dialogue with worker representatives to ensure fair and lawful regulation of the sector.

Part of wider gig worker protests

The planned strike follows earlier protests by workers in food delivery and quick commerce platforms, who demonstrated on December 31 over low payouts and harsh working conditions—one of the busiest days for these companies.

Concerns around gig employment have also been highlighted in the Economic Survey 2025–26, released on January 30. The survey noted that while India’s gig economy is expanding rapidly, worker welfare remains a challenge.

According to the Survey:

• Around 40% of gig workers earn less than ₹15,000 per month.
• The number of gig workers rose to 1.2 crore in FY25, from 77 lakh in FY21.
• Gig workers now account for over 2% of India’s total workforce.

The Survey recommended stronger competition oversight, greater transparency in algorithm-driven decision-making, and enhanced safeguards for platform workers.

What commuters should expect

While unions have said services will be disrupted for about six hours, the actual impact may vary by city. Commuters relying on app-based cabs, autos and bike taxis are advised to plan alternative travel arrangements on February 7.