Ahmedabad Auto-Taxi Strike From September 7: Drivers Protest Low Payouts From Online Apps

Around 2 lakh rickshaws and taxis in Ahmedabad are set to remain off the roads from September 7 to 10, after drivers announced a four-day strike over what they claim is inadequate compensation from online ride-hailing platforms.

The strike will include more than 25,000 taxi drivers and over 1.5 lakh rickshaw drivers in Ahmedabad. Unions said the decision has been taken even in view of emergency situations, including medical emergencies.

The shutdown is expected to affect students, office-goers and passengers travelling to bus stands, railway stations and the airport.

Drivers Demand Fair Compensation From Ride-Hailing Apps

According to the unions, rising CNG prices have increased operating costs for auto and taxi drivers. CNG prices have reportedly reached around ₹94 per kg, while fares offered through online booking platforms remain inadequate.

Drivers have alleged that aggregators such as Ola, Uber, Rapido and Bharat Taxi do not provide compensation in line with government rules and regulations. They also claim that competition among platforms has resulted in very low fares, with drivers receiving only around ₹8–10 per kilometre in some cases.

The unions said the earnings are no longer sufficient to cover household expenses and rising operating costs.

Action Sought Against Private Bike Taxis

The unions have also demanded action against privately registered, white-number-plate motorcycles and mopeds being used as taxis through online platforms.

They alleged that such vehicles are operating in violation of rules and are reducing the number of passengers available to authorised rickshaw and taxi drivers.

Despite repeated representations to authorities, the unions claim that no effective action has been taken, prompting them to call the strike.

Statewide Agitation Threat

For now, the strike is limited to Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar and Sanand. The unions have warned that if no concrete action is taken after the four-day protest, they will expand the agitation across Gujarat.

They have also threatened to organise a rally and gherao RTO offices and the concerned government office in Gandhinagar if their demands remain unresolved.