App based transport workers hold protest at Jantar Mantar

App-based transport workers gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Saturday, raising slogans and holding placards as gig and platform worker unions called for an all-India breakdown to press for their long-pending demands. Drivers associated with platforms such as Ola, Uber, Rapido and other app-based services said they were protesting against what they described as unfair policies that have adversely impacted their livelihoods.The demonstration was led by several gig and platform worker unions, including the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU). Shaik Salauddin, Founder President of TGPWU, said the workers have two key demands from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
The first demand relates to the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, which allow non-commercial vehicles to operate for platform companies. According to the unions, this provision increases competition and reduces earnings for commercial drivers. “We are taxpayers, but there is no exemption for us,” Salauddin said, adding that the unions want the Centre to withdraw the provision and state governments not to implement it.The second demand concerns fare regulation. The unions have objected to platform companies being allowed to decide fares, calling the system unjust and lacking transparency. They have demanded that state governments regulate fares to ensure accountability and protect drivers’ incomes.Salauddin said letters outlining these concerns had been sent to the Transport Ministry and to Gadkari, but no response had been received so far. With talks failing to make progress, unions warned that a nationwide strike could follow if their demands remain unaddressed.
As part of the ‘All India Breakdown’ call on February 7, services of app-based taxi platforms such as Ola, Uber and Rapido remained affected in several cities. The strike, called by TGPWU along with other national labour bodies, is expected to last for around six hours, with drivers switching off their ride-hailing apps simultaneously. Delivery services on the Porter app are also likely to be impacted.In a letter to Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, the labour groups flagged what they described as long-pending and unresolved issues faced by app-based transport workers across the country. The unions pointed out that in the absence of government-fixed fare systems, aggregator platforms operating cabs, autos and bike taxis continue to unilaterally determine fares.“App-based transport workers across India will observe an All India Breakdown on February 7. No minimum fares. No regulation. Endless exploitation,” TGPWU said in a post on X.

#WATCH | Delhi: App-based transport workers hold a protest at Jantar Mantar as gig unions call an all-India breakdown.

Telangana GIG and Platform Workers Union’s Founder President, Shaik Salauddin, says, "We have two major demands from the Ministry of Transport and Nitin… pic.twitter.com/T6fLYiWAfY

— ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2026

The unions also highlighted the failure of both Central and state governments to notify minimum base fares under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. Despite the existence of these guidelines, they said aggregator companies continue to fix fares on their own, pushing workers into unsustainable working conditions and forcing them to work longer hours for declining earnings.“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,” Salauddin said.Commuters have been advised to prepare for travel disruptions, although the extent of the impact may vary across regions as drivers observe the strike in different parts of the country. Passengers who rely on app-based cabs, autos and bike taxis have been urged to plan alternative travel arrangements, particularly during peak morning and evening hours.Major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad are expected to witness the maximum disruption, as dependence on app-based transport services is significantly higher in these urban centres.