Commuters should prepare for travel inconvenience, though the extent of disruption may vary across India as drivers observe the strike in different regions.
Updated on: Feb 06, 2026 1:50 PM IST
Edited by Aryan Mudgal
The protest has been dubbed the ‘All India Breakdown’ and drivers are expected to switch off their ride-hailing apps. (File Photo)
The strike has been organised by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), along with other national labour bodies. While announcing the protest for Saturday, TGPWU said in a post on X, “App-based transport workers across India will observe an All India Breakdown on 7 Feb 26. No minimum fares. No regulation. Endless exploitation.”
Why Uber, Ola drivers have called for strike
In a letter addressed to Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari, the union flagged what it described as “long-pending and unresolved issues” faced by app-based transport workers across the country.
The union said that as there are no government-fixed fare systems for riders working for Ola, Uber, Rapido, Porter and other aggregator platforms operating autos, cabs and bike taxis, companies decide fares on their own.
According to the letter, this results in “severe income insecurity, exploitation, and unsustainable working conditions for millions of transport workers”.
The union urged the government to “act now”, claiming that millions of app-based drivers are being pushed into poverty while aggregator companies continue to earn profits.
List of demands of the drivers
The drivers have also placed a list of demands before the government. In its letter to the union minister, the union referred to the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, stating that these guidelines call for regulatory supervision, clear fare systems and safeguards for driver livelihoods.
The union put forward the following demands:
- Immediate notification of minimum base fares by the Central and state governments for app-based transport services, including autos, cabs, bike taxis and other aggregator-based services. These fares should be finalised after consultation with recognised driver and worker unions, in line with the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.
- A strict ban on the use of private, non-commercial vehicles for commercial passenger and goods transport, or the compulsory conversion of such vehicles into the commercial category, in accordance with the Motor Vehicles Act, the Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, and related rules.
What should commuters expect?
Commuters should prepare for travel inconvenience, though the extent of disruption may vary across India as drivers observe the strike in different regions.
Passengers who rely on app-based cabs, autos and bike taxis are advised to plan alternative travel options on February 7, especially during peak morning and evening hours.
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1,000 GATHERINGS IN THE COUNTRY, FEBRUARY 12 STRIKE WILL BE ALL-OUT : JOINT STATEMENT ANNOUNCED
The livelihoods, democratic rights and national sovereignty of the people of the country must be protected. The strike on February 12 will see the most widespread resistance. There will be large-scale gatherings in at least 1,000 places across the country.
In a press statement on Friday, CITU, All India Krishak Sabha and All India Farm Workers Union said this, announcing the preparation for the strike. CITU General Secretary Elamram Karim, All India Krishak Sabha General Secretary Biju Krishnan, and All India Khet Mazur Union General Secretary B Venkat signed the agreement.
It is worth noting that although a general strike has been called in the country, there will be an industrial strike in West Bengal due to the Madhyamik exams.
Along with central trade unions and workers' federations, the United Kisan Morcha has called for a strike. Leaders of workers, farmers and agricultural labourers have called for heightened preparations at all levels. Along with the repeal of the four labor codes, there has been a demand for fixing the prices of crops as per the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission. It has been said that the central government has introduced the labor code. All rights, including assembly, strike, will be taken away. There will no longer be any bargaining rights for the vast majority of workers.
The statement said that repealing the 100-day work law and introducing VB Ji Ram Ji means rejecting the right to work in rural areas. This initiative is to ensure the supply of cheap labor. The crisis in rural areas will increase.
The statement said that the trade agreement with the United States and the free trade agreement with the European Union will have a negative impact on the country's agriculture, industry and jobs. These agreements are being made in a non-transparent manner without any discussion in parliament.
Regarding the central budget, it has been said that the budget allocation for agriculture, rural development, education, health, scheduled castes, tribals, women, and the northeastern region has either not increased or has been completely reduced. The public sector has been pushed towards privatization by absorbing it. This budget will further increase inequality and crisis.
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