Guwahati Cab Drivers Announce Indefinite Strike Demanding Fare Hike

Dispur, India Aug 28, 2026 ALN: Online cab services in Guwahati are likely to come to a halt from September 1, with the Ola, Uber, and Rapido cab drivers’ association announcing an indefinite shutdown over low fares and rising fuel and operating costs. The decision comes after years of growing frustration among drivers regarding their compensation and the financial viability of their work.

The drivers stated that their earnings have remained largely stagnant despite repeated increases in petrol and diesel prices and rising expenses. In recent years, India has seen significant fluctuations in fuel prices, which have directly impacted the operating costs for drivers. The association claims that their concerns have been raised with the cab aggregators on several occasions, but no concrete measures have been taken to address them. This ongoing dialogue has not yielded the expected results, leading to the current situation.

The association has demanded that Ola, Uber, and Rapido increase the fares paid to drivers and ensure that the per-kilometre and per-minute rates are fixed in accordance with government-prescribed rates. The drivers argue that the current rates are unsustainable, particularly when considering the rising costs of vehicle maintenance, insurance, and other expenses associated with operating a cab.

“Drivers associated with online cab platforms have been raising these problems for nearly eight years. Although the government has been paying attention to the issue over the last two to three years, we have not received any concrete solution. We are frustrated and, from September 1, will shut down our online cab services indefinitely. As an association, we stand with the drivers, and many EV auto drivers associated with us will also participate in the shutdown,” a protester said. This statement underscores the long-standing nature of the grievances, which have been exacerbated by the economic pressures of the last few years.

The drivers mentioned that the current earnings of around Rs 9-10 per kilometre are insufficient to cover their expenses, particularly amid rising fuel and maintenance costs. The disparity between their earnings and the cost of living has become increasingly pronounced, prompting many to question the sustainability of their profession. “We cannot run our vehicles at such low rates. Both the government and the online cab companies need to take responsibility and address our concerns. Around 15,000 to 20,000 people are associated with this sector, and their livelihoods depend on it,” the protester added. This highlights the broader economic implications of the strike, as a significant number of families rely on the income generated by these drivers.

The association is seeking fares of Rs 25 per km for hatchbacks and Rs 30 per km for sedans, which it claims are the rates prescribed by the government. These figures are not arbitrary; they reflect the operational realities faced by drivers in the region. “We are not demanding anything extraordinary. A cab driver’s entire family depends on his earnings. We are only asking for the government-prescribed rate of Rs 25 per km for hatchbacks and Rs 30 per km for sedans. With fuel and other prices continuing to rise, fares must also be increased,” another protester stated. The call for a fare increase is not just about higher income; it is about ensuring that drivers can continue to provide for their families and maintain their vehicles in a safe and operable condition.

The drivers expressed appreciation for the Transport Commissioner meeting with them and asking the cab companies to resolve the issue, but claimed that no concrete action followed. This lack of follow-through on promises made by officials has contributed to the drivers' sense of disillusionment. The association also mentioned that Rapido had given a verbal assurance that it would increase fares, but the drivers remained sceptical due to previous assurances that, they claimed, were not followed through. “Rapido has verbally assured us that the rates will be increased, but we are not taking that as relief because similar assurances were given earlier as well and the fares were not increased. We will wait and see what happens,” the protester remarked. This skepticism reflects a broader pattern of distrust that has developed between drivers and the companies they work for, further complicating the relationship and negotiations.

The association stated that the shutdown would continue indefinitely until its demands are addressed and drivers would not operate through the apps during the protest. This action not only disrupts the livelihoods of the drivers but also poses a significant inconvenience for commuters who rely on these services for transportation. The potential impact of this strike extends beyond the immediate concerns of fare increases; it raises questions about the future of gig economy jobs in India and the responsibilities of companies towards their workforce.

As the situation develops, the implications of this strike could resonate throughout the broader economy. The gig economy has become a crucial component of urban transportation networks, and disruptions in services can have cascading effects on local economies, affecting everything from daily commuters to businesses that rely on timely deliveries. The outcome of this standoff may also influence similar movements in other cities, as drivers across India face comparable challenges related to earnings and working conditions.

In conclusion, the indefinite strike announced by the cab drivers in Guwahati highlights the ongoing struggles faced by gig economy workers in India. As they seek fair compensation and recognition of their contributions, the response from both the government and cab aggregators will be critical in determining the future landscape of transportation services in the region.