In mid-July 2025, the bustling cities of Mumbai, Pune, and other parts of Maharashtra witnessed a significant disruption in app-based cab services as drivers for Ola, Uber, and Rapido launched an indefinite strike. This movement, driven by deep-seated grievances over earnings, working conditions, and regulatory gaps, brought urban transportation to a near standstill, affecting commuters at airports, railway stations, and beyond. This article explores the reasons behind the strike, its impact, and the current state of affairs as of July 28, 2025.

Why Did Drivers Strike?

The strike, which began around July 14–15, 2025, was spearheaded by unions like the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) and reflected the mounting frustrations of drivers. The key issues fueling the protests included:

1. Unsustainable Earnings: Drivers highlighted that after paying high commissions to aggregators (Ola, Uber, Rapido) and covering fuel and vehicle maintenance costs, their net earnings were as low as ₹8–12 per kilometer. This was insufficient to meet rising living expenses, pushing many into financial distress.
2. Fare Disparity with Traditional Taxis: The drivers demanded that app-based cab fares be aligned with those of traditional black-and-yellow taxis, which charge a higher base fare (₹31 per km) and subsequent rates (₹18 per km), to ensure fair compensation.
3. Lack of Regulation: Despite promises made over a year ago, the Maharashtra government had yet to implement a comprehensive aggregator cab policy, leaving drivers without regulatory protections or oversight of platform practices.
4. Oversaturation and Bike Taxis: The influx of new cab permits and the operation of app-based bike taxis were seen as threats to drivers’ livelihoods, with calls for a cap on permits and a ban on bike taxis.
5. Welfare and Legal Protections: Drivers sought the establishment of a welfare board and the enactment of a Maharashtra Gig Workers’ Act to secure benefits and rights, similar to policies in other states.
6. Arbitrary Policies: Issues like discounts deducted from drivers’ earnings and sudden suspensions of driver IDs for minor or unverified reasons further fueled discontent.
7. A Tragic Catalyst: The suicide of a 46-year-old cab driver in Nallasopara, reportedly due to inability to repay car loan installments, underscored the dire financial straits faced by many, galvanizing the protest.

The strike saw 70–90% of app-based cabs off the roads, leading to long wait times, frequent cancellations, and fare surges. Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport issued advisories urging passengers to use alternative transport, while protests, including sit-ins at Azad Maidan and hunger strikes, amplified the drivers’ demands.

Impact on Commuters and Cities

The strike significantly disrupted daily life in Maharashtra’s urban centers. Airports and railway stations, key hubs for app-based cabs, saw chaos as commuters scrambled for alternatives like traditional taxis, auto-rickshaws, or public transport. Fare surges exacerbated the situation, with some passengers reporting inflated costs due to limited cab availability. The protests highlighted the critical role of app-based services in Maharashtra’s transport ecosystem and exposed the vulnerabilities of relying heavily on gig economy platforms without robust regulation.

Resolution Efforts and the New Aggregator Cabs Policy

On July 19, 2025, the strike was temporarily suspended following negotiations with Maharashtra’s state transport department. Drivers agreed to pause protests to allow time for the government to address their demands, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for July 22. The government’s response included the approval of the Aggregator Cabs Policy 2025, which aims to regulate ride-hailing services through measures such as:

• Fines for ride cancellations to deter arbitrary refusals.
• A cap on peak-hour fare surges at 1.5 times the regular rate.
• Accidental insurance for drivers to provide financial security.
• Legal action against bike taxis, with cases already filed against 123 bike taxi drivers.

These steps signal progress, but the policy’s implementation remains in its early stages, and its effectiveness depends on swift enforcement and addressing drivers’ core concerns.

Current Status as of July 28, 2025

As of July 28, 2025, the situation remains fluid. The temporary suspension of the strike has allowed some drivers to resume services, easing commuter woes, particularly at high-traffic locations like airports and stations. However, unions have warned of renewed protests if the government fails to deliver on promised reforms. While the Aggregator Cabs Policy 2025 offers hope, there are no clear updates on whether the July 22 meeting yielded concrete outcomes or if all demands—such as fare rationalization and a gig workers’ act—have been addressed.

Commuters are advised to stay informed through local news or transport updates and consider backup options like traditional taxis, buses, or trains for critical travel. The drivers’ movement has sparked a broader conversation about the gig economy in India, emphasizing the need for fair wages, regulatory oversight, and worker protections in an increasingly digital transport landscape.

The Ola, Uber, and Rapido drivers’ strike in Maharashtra underscores the challenges faced by gig workers in balancing platform-driven economics with sustainable livelihoods. While the new policy is a step forward, its success hinges on addressing the root causes of driver discontent. As Maharashtra navigates this transition, the outcome of ongoing discussions will shape the future of app-based transport and the welfare of thousands of drivers powering it.