Today, February 7, 2026, commuters across India are facing potential disruptions as drivers for major ride-hailing apps like Ola, Uber, and Rapido are participating in a nationwide strike. This "All India Breakdown," as it's being called, is impacting services in major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

Why are drivers striking?

The strike is a culmination of long-standing grievances regarding declining earnings and what unions describe as exploitative fare policies. The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) are leading the charge, demanding government intervention to ensure fair wages and better working conditions for app-based drivers.

The core demands of the striking workers include:

• Minimum Base Fares: Unions are pushing for the immediate implementation of government-notified minimum base fares for all app-based transport services, including taxis, auto-rickshaws, bike taxis, and goods carriers. They argue that the current system allows ride-hailing platforms to unilaterally set prices, leaving drivers vulnerable to income instability.
• Regulation and Enforcement: Drivers are calling for stricter enforcement against the use of private vehicles for commercial rides.
• Implementation of 2025 Guidelines: The unions are urging the government to implement the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, which they say mandate consultation with recognized worker unions before fare fixation. They claim that the failure to do so has allowed platforms to deepen exploitation.
• Redressal of Grievances about Panic Buttons: The Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha has raised concerns about mandatory panic button installations, stating that changes in approvals have led to financial burdens for drivers. They claim drivers are being forced to remove previously installed devices and spend approximately Rs 12,000 to install new ones.
• Action Against Illegal Bike Taxi Services: The Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha is also protesting against what they term illegal bike taxi services, alleging that victims of accidents involving these services are denied insurance benefits.

What does this mean for commuters?

The strike is expected to cause significant disruptions to transportation services relying on Ola, Uber, and Rapido. Commuters are advised to consider alternative travel arrangements, including public transportation, carpooling, or adjusting travel times to avoid peak hours. It is advisable to check the availability of cabs and autos on the apps before making travel plans, keeping in mind that supply may be limited.

Response from Companies and Authorities

While authorities and the involved companies have acknowledged the disruptions, there have been no immediate announcements regarding policy changes or actions to address the drivers' demands. The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear how long the strike will last or what the ultimate outcome will be.

This "All India Breakdown" highlights the ongoing tensions between gig workers and platform companies regarding fair compensation and working conditions. The outcome of this strike could have significant implications for the future of the gig economy and the rights of app-based workers in India.