Cab and auto-rickshaw drivers across India will observe a nationwide one-day strike on February 7, 2026, to protest against illegal bike taxi operations and what they call unfair fare policies of app-based companies such as Ola, Uber and Rapido. The strike aims to draw the government’s attention to long-pending issues affecting drivers’ livelihoods and safety.
Driver unions say they have repeatedly raised their concerns with authorities over the past several months, but claim that despite transport department directives, several app-based companies continue to violate approved regulations without strict enforcement.
One of the major concerns is the operation of illegal bike taxis, especially in metro cities like Mumbai. According to the unions, accidents involving such services have resulted in deaths and permanent disabilities, while victims often remain ineligible for insurance compensation because the services are not legally authorised.
Drivers have also alleged financial exploitation linked to panic button compliance. Although the central government has approved around 140 panic button device providers, nearly 70% of them have reportedly been declared unauthorised by the state government, forcing drivers to remove existing devices and spend about ₹12,000 on new installations.
In addition, unions claim that the open auto-rickshaw permit policy has led to an oversupply of vehicles, reducing drivers’ earnings and worsening traffic congestion in cities.
The strike is being organised to demand strict regulatory enforcement, improved road safety, and fair policies for gig workers, said Dr. Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, President of the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha and the Indian Gig Workers Forum.