Nagpur: Alleged fare manipulation by app-based cab aggregators and the unchecked operation of illegal bike taxis have sparked unrest among city transport operators, prompting cab and autorickshaw drivers to call for a strike on Saturday, February 7, demanding immediate regulatory intervention.
Cab operators allege that fare norms fixed by the Nagpur Regional Transport Authority (RTA) are being blatantly violated by app-based platforms. As per an RTA resolution issued in May 2025, taxi fares in Nagpur have been fixed at Rs 26 per kilometre. Pool cabs are permitted to charge up to 20% extra, amounting to Rs 31.68 per kilometre. Based on this structure, drivers are entitled to receive a minimum of Rs 23.76 per kilometre during non-peak hours.
Gold Rate
06 Feb 2026
However, drivers claim that cab aggregators are compelling them to operate at significantly lower rates, sometimes as low as Rs 14–15 per kilometre, making it financially unviable to sustain operations.
Autorickshaw drivers have echoed similar grievances. Though RTO orders mandate meter-based fares for autorickshaws operating through platforms such as Ola and Uber, the companies allegedly continue to impose arbitrary fare structures, violating regulatory directives. These allegations were raised by Indian Gig Front Workers (IGWF) city president Deepak Bhandarkar, organisation president Keshav Kshirsagar, vice-president Manoj Tagde, and members Ajay Nimje, Vikrant Dhurve and Narendra Khandagle.
The situation has been further aggravated by the growing presence of illegal bike taxi services in the city. Union leaders warned that these unauthorised operations pose serious safety risks, with a rise in accidents being reported. As such services function without official approval, passengers are left without insurance cover in case of mishaps. The leaders also alleged that individuals can register as bike taxi drivers on these apps using any name, raising serious concerns about passenger safety.
Issues surrounding panic button compliance were also flagged. While nearly 90% of vehicles are reportedly equipped with panic buttons, drivers claimed that the lack of regular recharge renders many of them non-functional. Adding to their woes, drivers are forced to spend nearly Rs 15,000 to purchase panic button devices during vehicle passing, increasing their financial burden.
The organisation has demanded strict enforcement against fare violations by cab aggregators, an immediate crackdown on illegal bike taxis, and relief from what they termed as exploitative practices. A representation has been submitted to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, seeking urgent intervention to resolve the matter.
