Commuters in Ahmedabad could face difficulties over the next few days as around 12 autorickshaw and taxi unions have announced a four-day strike from September 7 to 10.
The protest, being held under the banner of the “Rozgar Bachao Andolan”, is aimed at raising concerns over app-based transport services such as Ola, Uber, Rapido and Bharat Taxi.
The unions have alleged that the expansion of these platforms has affected the earnings of traditional autorickshaw and taxi drivers. They have also raised concerns over the continued operation of passenger services using private two-wheelers, despite a government circular prohibiting such services, claiming that weak enforcement has added to the financial difficulties faced by conventional drivers.
During the agitation, participating drivers will display posters highlighting their demands on their vehicles. They will also withdraw their autos and taxis from service for the entire four-day period.
The protest has received support from several driver organisations, including the Ahmedabad Rickshaw Chalak Ekta Union, Pragati Rickshaw Chalak Union, Navyug Auto Rickshaw Driver Association, Auto Driver Ekta Samiti, All Gujarat Autorickshaw Drivers Union, Ahmedabad Railway Station Auto Drivers Union, Ahmedabad Rickshaw Driver Suraksha Samiti, Ladat Samiti Union, Smart City Auto Driver Union, Driver Seva Trust and Ahmedabad Taxi Drivers Union.
With a significant number of autorickshaws and taxis expected to remain off the roads, the strike could affect daily commuters, students and others who regularly depend on these services. Passengers may therefore have to consider alternative modes of transport between September 7 and 10.