App-based taxi drivers in Nagpur have launched an indefinite boycott of Ola, Uber, and Rapido, accusing these companies of exploitation, unfair fare policies, and violating government regulations.The protest was announced on Monday at a press conference held at Ravi Bhavan by leaders from the Vidarbha App-Based Taxi Union and the National Taxi Drivers and Owners Association.
The unions warned that if their demands are not met, they will hand over their vehicle keys to the district collector, to be forwarded to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Guardian Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule.Union president Deepak Sane explained that Ola and Uber have operated in Maharashtra since 2014, with Rapido joining in 2020. Initially, these platforms attracted drivers through lucrative incentives, discounts, and schemes.
“Many drivers took loans, mortgaged homes, or pledged jewellery to buy vehicles. But with rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, and increased taxes, survival has become extremely difficult,” Sane stated.He further accused the companies of repeatedly ignoring the Union Government’s Aggregator Guidelines of 2020 and 2025, despite several appeals. Key grievances include failure to adjust app fares to align with RTA-approved rates, high commission fees, long pickup distances, rising insurance and permit costs, lack of compensation for COVID-related vehicle damage, unauthorized bike taxi services, and the compulsory advance recharge system.
The unions’ demands include immediate fare revisions as per RTA rates, company-funded insurance coverage for drivers and their families, removal of the advance recharge requirement, and installation of prepaid taxi booths at Nagpur railway station and airport.They have pledged to continue the boycott until authorities enforce RTA-approved fares and aggregator guidelines. The unions have thrown their support behind OV Cabs Private Limited, whose director Pranay Manekar has promised full compliance with government regulations.In a public appeal, the unions urged Nagpur residents and visitors to avoid Ola, Uber, and Rapido rides and instead choose OV Cabs for fair and reliable service.
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