The strike by Ola and Uber drivers in Mumbai continued for a second day on Wednesday, causing significant difficulties for commuters across the city. This protest affected not only road traffic but also disrupted travelers heading to and from the airport. The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) administration even had to issue an advisory for passengers.
Airport Advisory
The Mumbai airport administration advised passengers on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that app-based cab services could be affected due to the Ola and Uber drivers' strike. Passengers were urged to plan their journeys in advance and consider alternative modes of transport.
The advisory also stated that it would be better to arrange public transport or private travel beforehand to and from the airport, to avoid issues like missed or delayed flights.
Passengers Forcibly Disembarked
Due to the strike, incidents of passengers being forcibly removed from cabs and autos were reported in several parts of the city on Wednesday. Many passengers reported being dropped off mid-journey and drivers refusing to complete the trip. In some cases, threats by drivers were also reported, creating an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among passengers.
A large protest at Azad Maidan saw thousands of Ola-Uber drivers from across Maharashtra gather, causing the ride-sharing services in Mumbai to come to a near standstill.
Key Demands of the Drivers
The main demands of the striking drivers are as follows:
• App-based fares should be brought on par with meter taxis.
• A complete ban on bike taxi services.
• Control over the number of cab and auto-rickshaw permits.
• Formation of a welfare board for drivers.
• Implementation of the 'Maharashtra Gig Workers Act' to provide them with social security.
Drivers' Allegations
A cab driver from Nagpur, participating in the protest, said, "Cab aggregator companies threaten us, exploit us, and take a large portion of the fare. We only earn a nominal amount. We will not remain silent anymore."
The drivers say that they are constantly working under economic pressure and that their interests are being consistently ignored.
Potential Impact
In a metropolis like Mumbai, where a large number of people use app-based ride-sharing services daily, such a strike is causing significant disruption to daily life and working people. If these protests continue for a long time, it could put pressure on the government and cab aggregator companies to resolve the drivers' issues.
The police and administration are keeping a close watch on the situation, but until then, passengers have been advised to prepare for this inconvenience and use alternative means of transport.
