Ola, Uber, Rapido Strike on Feb 7: What Commuters Need to Know

People using app-based taxis and autos on 7 Feb 26 are likely to face delays and cancelled rides, as Ola, Uber and Rapido drivers plan a coordinated work stoppage called the “All India Breakdown” that could affect several Indian cities to different degrees.

The organisers say drivers linked to major ride-hailing and goods platforms intend to log out of their apps together nationwide. Services such as cabs, autos, bike taxis and light commercial vehicles may be unavailable in many areas, especially during busy office and school travel hours.

All India Breakdown strike: reasons and key grievances

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), working with other national labour groups, is leading the All India Breakdown strike. While announcing the action on X, TGPWU stated: "App-based transport workers across India will observe an All India Breakdown on 7 Feb 26. No minimum fares. No regulation. Endless exploitation."

Earlier, TGPWU sent a detailed letter to Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari. The communication said app-based drivers and delivery partners face "long-pending and unresolved issues" and argued that the current policy environment allows platforms to decide fare structures without any government-approved minimum rates.

All India Breakdown strike: income insecurity and fare rules

The union said there is no government-fixed fare framework for workers associated with Ola, Uber, Rapido, Porter and other aggregators running autos, taxis and bike taxis. Because of this, the groups claim companies are free to change trip prices and incentives, which they say creates "severe income insecurity, exploitation, and unsustainable working conditions for millions of transport workers".

The letter urged the Union government to "act now", alleging that while aggregator platforms continue earning profits, many drivers are slipping towards poverty. TGPWU said the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025 already mention the need for regulatory oversight, transparent fare systems and measures to protect driver livelihoods across app-based services.

The union also placed a set of specific demands before the Central and state governments. It wants these to apply to all app-based mobility and delivery platforms that use autos, cabs, bike taxis and similar vehicles. The demands refer to the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, the Motor Vehicles Act and the Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.

Commuters are advised to arrange backup plans for 7 Feb 26, particularly for office commutes, airport trips and school runs. The impact is expected to differ between regions, depending on how many local drivers join the All India Breakdown strike and how long they keep apps switched off.