Delhi NCR Auto and Taxi Drivers Strike for Two Days to Protest Against Ola and Uber

On Thursday morning, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) experienced significant transportation disruptions as auto and taxi drivers began a two-day strike. The strike, organized by the Delhi Auto Taxi Transport Congress Union, aims to protest against the impact of cab aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido on their livelihoods.

Strike Causes Widespread Disruption

Kishan Verma, president of the Delhi Auto Taxi Transport Congress Union, highlighted the adverse effects of app-based cab services on traditional taxi and auto drivers. “The strike is essential to protect our jobs and support the families of auto and taxi drivers,” Verma stated. The unions are calling for a ban on these app-based services, arguing that they use private vehicles—such as cars with white number plates, motorcycles, and scooters—to compete unfairly with traditional taxi and auto services.

Verma added that nearly 15 auto and taxi unions, including those representing cab service providers, support the strike. Drivers claim that the fares offered by app-based services are significantly higher, impacting their earnings. “Passengers pay Ola and Uber Rs.20/km while we only get Rs.8-9/km. With rising CNG prices, this is unsustainable. We demand a fare increase to at least Rs.15-20/km,” a taxi driver told IANS.

Mixed Reactions and Effectiveness of the Strike

Despite the strike, Delhi's transportation services saw limited impact. Rajendra Soni, general secretary of the Delhi Auto Rickshaw Sangh, criticized the strike as ineffective, noting that autos and traditional taxis continued to operate. “Our union and five others are not participating because app-based services do not directly compete with autos,” Soni explained.

Residents like Vishal Thakur from Vipin Garden in Dwarka reported fewer autos available, indicating some disruption but not a complete halt in services. “I had to wait longer than usual to get an auto today,” Thakur said.

Industry Statistics and Ongoing Developments

According to the transport department, Delhi is home to approximately 150,000 motor cabs, including 95,000 autos and 10,000 kali-pili taxis. The response from Ola and Uber regarding the strike has not yet been received, but updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

As the strike continues, the future of the relationship between traditional transport services and app-based cab companies remains uncertain. The auto and taxi unions' demands for fare increases and regulatory changes reflect broader tensions within the transportation sector.