Ola, Uber, Rapido Drivers To Go On Strike On October 9 Over Several Demands; Union Alleges Corruption

App-based cab, taxi and rickshaw drivers in the state have called for a one-day bandh on Thursday, October 9, 2025, for pressing their demands. They have also put allegations of corruption and favouritism within the transport department.

The Bharatiya Gig Workers Forum has called for this agitation to draw the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

It is pertinent to note that the protest has been timed to coincide with the visit of a central finance department team to Maharashtra.

The shutdown is expected to impact cities such as Mumbai and Pune, where thousands depend on app-based transport.

The October 9 strike follows nearly three months of protests, including hunger strikes and sit-ins at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, which began on July 15.

Key demands of the protesters

• While fuel and maintenance costs have increased drastically, the income of the drivers has decreased.
• There is no proper system to redress the grievances.
• Strict action should be taken against the aggregators violating the rules of the state transport department.
• Drivers should get proper wages and insurance benefits.
• Transparent fare structure should be implemented by the app companies.
• App companies should stop arbitrarily suspending drivers' accounts.
• No solution despite meetings

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik had directed to find a solution to this problem after the agitation on September 30, 2025.

Chief Minister's Secretary Vidyadhar Mahale held a meeting with the agitators and transport department officials. However, despite these meetings, no concrete decision has been taken yet.