Uber, Ola, Rapido driver unions call for strike in Delhi, Mumbai: All that happened so far

Nationwide Strike Disrupts Ride-Hailing Services

App-based drivers across India logged off their platforms in a coordinated protest dubbed the "All India Breakdown" on February 7, 2026. Unions representing workers from Uber, Ola, Rapido, and even delivery services like Porter called for drivers to switch off their apps simultaneously, leading to significant service disruptions in key urban centers. The action, initially planned as a six-hour shutdown, stretched into a day-long event in some areas, affecting cabs, autos, bike taxis, and parcel deliveries. Commuters in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad faced the brunt, with ride availability dropping sharply during peak hours, forcing many to seek alternatives like public transport or personal vehicles.

The strike highlighted the growing frustrations among gig workers who have long battled volatile incomes amid rising operational costs. Drivers reported that without fixed minimum fares, platforms dictate prices at will, often slashing rates to attract riders while commissions eat into earnings. Fuel prices, maintenance, and other expenses have compounded the issue, pushing many into financial strain. This wasn't just a spontaneous outburst; unions had warned of such actions weeks in advance, urging government intervention.

Core Demands: Minimum Fares and Stricter Regulations

At the heart of the protest lies the demand for government-notified minimum base fares for all aggregator-based transport services. Unions argue that the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, which mandate consultations with worker representatives before fare changes, have been ignored. Platforms continue to set unilateral prices, leading to income insecurity and overwork. Additional grievances include high commission rates, the unchecked rise of bike taxis using private vehicles, and costs associated with mandatory safety features like panic buttons.

Shaik Salauddin, founder president of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), emphasized this in a statement, underscoring how policy inaction has worsened conditions for millions. The TGPWU, alongside groups like the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers and Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha, penned a letter to Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, detailing these long-pending issues and calling for immediate enforcement.

The Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, clearly mandate consultation with recognised worker unions before fare fixation. However, governments have failed to act, enabling platforms to deepen exploitation.

Drivers also voiced concerns over endless exploitation, with social media posts from unions declaring, "No minimum fares. No regulation. Endless exploitation." The protest aimed to pressure both central and state governments to implement protections, including restrictions on private vehicles for commercial use and fairer revenue sharing. In states like Karnataka, some progress has been noted with new laws, but nationwide rollout remains stalled.

Impact on Commuters and Platform Responses

The strike caused partial but noticeable disruptions, with ride-hailing apps reporting surges in wait times and dynamic pricing spikes in unaffected areas. In Delhi and Mumbai, where dependence on these services is high, morning and evening commutes turned chaotic, stranding office-goers and students. Bengaluru and Hyderabad saw similar issues, though public transport helped mitigate some chaos. Delivery services felt the pinch too, delaying parcels via Porter. Commuters were advised to plan ahead, but many were caught off-guard.

Ride-hailing companies have remained largely silent, neither confirming nor denying impacts publicly. Past responses to such actions have involved temporary incentives for drivers, but unions dismiss these as short-term fixes. As the day progressed, services resumed sporadically in some cities, but leaders vowed to continue protests if demands aren't met. Discussions with political figures have occurred, with calls for Congress-led states to expedite implementations. The event has reignited debates on gig economy regulations, spotlighting the precarious lives of these essential workers who power urban mobility.

This strike serves as a stark reminder of the tensions in India's booming ride-hailing sector, where millions rely on these apps daily. While platforms have revolutionized transport, the human cost behind the convenience is now front and center. Governments face mounting pressure to balance innovation with worker welfare, potentially reshaping the industry.

In summary, the February 7 strike by Uber, Ola, and Rapido driver unions successfully drew attention to demands for minimum fares, regulated pricing, and better protections under the 2025 guidelines. Disruptions hit major cities hard, but the action underscored the urgent need for dialogue between platforms, workers, and authorities to ensure sustainable livelihoods.