Nagpur Cab Strike Enters Fourth Day, Disrupting Airport Services
In Nagpur, the ongoing strike by app-based cab drivers has severely impacted airport services, with pick-up and drop facilities being blocked as part of the protest. The police have intervened by summoning union leaders and issuing a stern warning that any complaints of vehicles being forcefully stopped could result in legal action against the agitators.
Police Response and Lack of Formal Complaints
A senior police official stated that no formal complaints have been received so far regarding the strike. According to a police source, action can only be taken if complaints are filed by other cab drivers alleging forceful prevention from entering the airport or accepting rides. Passengers are also encouraged to file complaints if they face issues. Without such reports, the police are limited in their ability to intervene directly.
Drivers' Demands and Protest Strategy
The striking drivers are demanding an increase in fare rates from aggregators such as Ola and Uber, along with the removal of bike riders from the app platforms. The union argues that bike riders, who are not required to follow Regional Transport Office (RTO) rules, are unfairly cutting into the cab business. By targeting the airport with their blockade, the protesters aim to draw attention from the government or aggregators by inconveniencing flyers.
As the strike entered its fourth day on Friday, drivers claimed that representatives from Ola and Uber have not yet contacted them to address their grievances. Police sources confirmed this lack of communication, highlighting the growing tension.
Meetings with Authorities and Union Statements
The police facilitated a meeting between members of the Taxi Chalak Malak Kruti Samiti and District Collector Kumar Ashirwad. Deepak Sane of the Kruti Samiti informed that the district collector has promised another round of discussions. However, Sane emphasized that representatives from the aggregators must be present, as the final decision rests with the companies, not the government.
Sane clarified that union members are not forcibly stopping cabs but are requesting drivers to drop passengers near Pride Hotel instead of proceeding to the airport terminal. He noted that those who disagree are not being hindered, and exceptions are made for families with children. A line of taxis was observed parked along the road opposite Hotel Pride, with most drivers supporting the cause by halting rides to the pick-up and drop points, leaving customers about a kilometer from the airport terminals.
Impact on Passengers and Alternative Transport
The strike has effectively stopped pick-ups from the airport, as taxis are no longer waiting in the parking area for arriving passengers. Airport sources reported that passengers are now relying on pre-paid taxis or autorickshaws. Additionally, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has increased the frequency of buses to the airport, with services now running every half hour to mitigate the disruption.
This prolonged strike underscores the ongoing conflicts between app-based cab drivers and aggregators over fare structures and competition, with Nagpur's airport becoming a focal point for the protest.
