Heavy rain on Thursday turned commuting into a major challenge for Ahmedabad residents, with app-based cab fares surging by up to six times and passengers struggling to find drivers despite paying the higher prices.
The sharp increase in fares was driven by high demand and a reduced number of cabs on the roads due to waterlogging and traffic congestion.
A ride from Ghatlodia to Kalupur railway station, which usually costs ₹250–₹300, was priced at over ₹1,500 during peak evening hours. The fare from Bopal to Navrangpura jumped from around ₹275 to more than ₹800, while a trip from Prernatirth to Nehru Bridge rose from ₹175 to nearly ₹500.
Many commuters said that even after agreeing to surge pricing, finding a driver remained difficult as bookings were repeatedly cancelled.
A Ghuma resident travelling home from Nehrunagar said a 10-km journey that normally costs ₹180–₹200 was quoted at over ₹600, but drivers continued to cancel the ride.
Another commuter from Bopal said one driver demanded ₹1,500 and another ₹2,000 for a trip that usually costs ₹275. After waiting nearly two hours, he finally reached home by paying ₹550.
Cab drivers said they too faced major challenges due to the heavy rain. Waterlogged roads, traffic congestion and submerged potholes slowed operations and damaged vehicles. One Uber driver said his car got stuck in a water-filled roadside pit and had to be pulled out by a crane, costing him nearly ₹2,000 in recovery charges.