Ola, Uber Drivers Stage Protest in Mumbai: Demand Policy Implementation and Fare Equality with Kaali-Peeli Taxis

Mumbai, July 16 – Ride-hailing services in Mumbai and several parts of Maharashtra came to a sudden halt on Tuesday as hundreds of Ola, Uber, and Rapido drivers gathered at Azad Maidan to protest. Their demands? Immediate implementation of the state’s long-pending aggregator policy and fare parity with Mumbai’s traditional kaali-peeli taxis.

With app-based cabs and rickshaws off the road, commuters across Mumbai faced inconvenience, paying surge prices or waiting longer for a ride. The protest, organized by multiple gig worker unions, is likely to continue into Wednesday, if no resolution is reached.

Why Are Ola and Uber Drivers Protesting?

The central issue revolves around low per-kilometre earnings, lack of job security, and poor regulatory enforcement.

While kaali-peeli taxis in Mumbai enjoy a base fare of ₹31 and ₹18 per km thereafter, app-based cab drivers claim they earn only ₹8 to ₹12 per km, even for air-conditioned rides. Despite inflation, fuel hikes, and vehicle maintenance, these rates have seen little improvement over the years.

“We are not asking for luxury—just parity,” said Anand Kute of the Maharashtra Rajya Rashtriya Kamgar Sangh. “We’ve been demanding fare revision for over seven years now. The aggregator companies continue to earn commissions, while drivers struggle to even recover operational costs.”

Aggregator Policy: A Delayed Promise?

The Maharashtra aggregator policy, which aims to regulate app-based transport services like Ola, Uber, and Rapido, has been in limbo for years. Though drafted long ago, its implementation continues to face bureaucratic delays and lack of consensus between the government and aggregator companies.

The protesting unions, including:

• Indian Gig Workers Platform
• Maharashtra State National Workers Union – App-Based Transport Unit
• Mumbai Taximen Union
• MARKS (Maharashtra App-based Rickshaw Kamgar Sanghatana)
   

have been demanding quick implementation of this policy to ensure minimum fare regulations, insurance coverage, social security, and grievance redressal mechanisms for gig workers.

According to Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, president of the Maharashtra Gig Workers Platform, the agitation is aimed not just at the government but also at aggregator firms that have failed to recognize the need for fair compensation and working conditions.
 

A Daily Struggle to Survive

 

Many drivers at the protest shared similar stories—long working hours, mounting expenses, and little to no savings. One driver said, “I spend nearly ₹1,600 daily on fuel, EMI, traffic fines, and taxes. My average income ranges from ₹1,500 to ₹2,000. How can anyone survive on that?”

Drivers also highlighted that app algorithms often manipulate pricing and ride allocation. During the protest, even app-based bus services were reportedly off the road, indicating the scale of discontent.

The withdrawal of services led to noticeable disruption in city transport. Akash Soni, a commuter from Thane, shared his ordeal: “It took me over 40 minutes to find a cab. Even buses were unavailable on aggregator apps. The state government, cab companies, and drivers must find a workable solution.”
 

Government Response Still Awaited
 

Despite earlier meetings between driver unions and the Maharashtra government, a resolution remains elusive. Many unions accuse both the government and aggregator companies of dragging their feet when it comes to implementing beneficial reforms.

The protestors have called for:

• Standardized fare structure across all types of taxis
• Implementation of the aggregator policy
• Subsidies or support for fuel and maintenance
• Insurance and health cover for app-based drivers
• Transparency in app algorithms for fair ride distribution
   

Sources suggest that while initial talks have begun, consensus is yet to be achieved among all stakeholders. Till then, the protests are likely to continue in pockets across Maharashtra.
 

Broader Implications for the Gig Economy

 

The Azad Maidan protest is not an isolated event—it reflects the growing unrest within India’s gig economy, especially among app-based transport workers. As companies prioritize profitability, many workers feel left behind without adequate financial, legal, or healthcare safety nets.

The strike has once again highlighted the urgent need for clear regulation, structured fare policies, and formal recognition of gig workers' rights.
 

What’s Next?
 

If the aggregator policy continues to remain unimplemented, driver unions have hinted at a statewide strike, which could severely impact daily commuters in metro cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.

While ride-hailing apps have revolutionized urban mobility, the people behind the wheel say it's time for the system to drive change for them too.