New Delhi: Commuters across Delhi-NCR are likely to face major transportation problems as taxi and auto-rickshaw unions began a three-day strike on Thursday demanding a fare hike and action against alleged exploitation by app-based cab companies.
The strike, which will continue from May 21 to May 23, has been called in support of a nationwide protest announced by the All India Motor Transport Congress. The agitation is expected to impact daily travel in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and nearby regions due to reduced availability of taxis, autos and other commercial vehicles.
Drivers Demand Fare Revision Amid Rising Fuel Costs
Taxi drivers participating in the strike said their earnings have dropped significantly because of rising fuel prices and reduced payouts by app-based platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido.
Speaking about the issue, taxi driver Narendra Tiwari claimed that ride-hailing companies had sharply reduced per-kilometer payments in recent weeks, making it difficult for drivers to sustain their livelihood.
Another driver, Dinesh Kumar, appealed to the government to revise taxi fares, stating that drivers were struggling because fares had not increased despite inflation and rising expenses.
Unions Accuse App-Based Companies of Exploitation
According to the Chalak Shakti Union, taxi fares in Delhi-NCR have remained unchanged for nearly 15 years even as prices of CNG, petrol and diesel have increased substantially. The union also highlighted rising costs related to vehicle maintenance, permits, insurance and fitness certificates.
The union accused app-based cab aggregators of operating arbitrarily and economically exploiting drivers in the region. It warned that the protest could intensify further if the government failed to address their demands.
Meanwhile, the strike comes amid a fresh increase in fuel prices. In Delhi, petrol prices have risen to ₹98.64 per liter while diesel prices increased to ₹91.58 per liter, adding more financial pressure on commercial drivers.