Commuters across India are likely to face significant travel disruptions on Saturday, February 7, 2026, as drivers associated with major ride-hailing platforms Ola, Uber, and Rapido prepare for a coordinated nationwide strike. The protest, dubbed the 'All India Breakdown', is expected to see thousands of app-based drivers logging off these platforms simultaneously for at least six hours, impacting the availability of cabs, auto-rickshaws, and bike taxis.
What Is the 'All India Breakdown' Strike?
The strike has been announced by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), with support from multiple labour organisations operating at the national level. In a social media post, the union stated, "App-based transport workers across India will observe an All India Breakdown on 7 Feb 26. No minimum fares. No regulation. Endless exploitation. Govt must act NOW." This action aims to draw urgent attention to what unions describe as unchecked fare practices and deteriorating working conditions in India's rapidly expanding ride-hailing sector.
Core Issues Driving the Protest
According to driver unions, the primary grievances include:
- Fare Regulation: Despite the introduction of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, which were meant to bring regulatory clarity, aggregator platforms continue to determine fares unilaterally. The lack of government-notified minimum base fares has resulted in shrinking earnings for drivers.
- Working Conditions: Drivers report longer working hours and growing dependence on incentives that are frequently revised or withdrawn, leading to income instability.
- Policy Inaction: Unions argue that continued government inaction is pushing app-based drivers into financial distress, with millions at risk of poverty while aggregator companies profit.
Key Demands of the Striking Drivers
The unions have outlined specific demands to address these issues:
- Mandatory Minimum Fares: Establish government-notified minimum base fares for all app-based transport services, including taxis, autos, bike taxis, and aggregator-run goods transport, through consultations with recognised driver representatives.
- Regulation of Vehicle Use: Take strict action against the commercial use of private vehicles, either by banning it outright or rigorously enforcing vehicle conversion rules.
- Amendment of Guidelines: Remove Clause 17.3 of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, which allows aggregators to price rides up to 50% below the base fare, a provision unions say undermines driver livelihoods.
Background and Broader Context
The February 7 strike follows a series of protests by gig workers across different platform-based industries. In December 2025, food delivery and quick-commerce workers staged demonstrations over low payouts and intense working conditions, even on high-demand days. Concerns surrounding gig employment were also highlighted in the Economic Survey 2025–26, released on January 30, 2026, which acknowledged the rapid expansion of the gig economy while flagging gaps in worker protection.
The Survey noted that around 40% of gig workers earn less than Rs 15,000 per month, and the total number of gig workers increased to 1.2 crore in FY25, up from 77 lakh in FY21. Gig workers now account for more than 2% of India's workforce, underscoring the sector's growing importance and the urgency of addressing labour issues.
What Commuters Should Expect
Unions have indicated that the strike will last around six hours, though the scale of disruption may vary from city to city depending on participation levels. Passengers who rely on app-based cabs, autos, and bike taxis are strongly advised to make alternative travel arrangements on February 7, particularly during morning and evening peak hours. This could include using public transport, traditional taxis, or carpooling to avoid inconvenience.
Call for Government Action
In a statement, the TGPWU emphasised that the absence of enforceable safeguards has led to widespread income instability among app-based drivers, many of whom depend entirely on aggregator platforms for their livelihood. The union has urged both the central and state governments to initiate immediate dialogue with worker organisations to establish fair, transparent, and legally binding norms for the sector. This strike serves as a critical reminder of the need for balanced policies that protect workers while fostering innovation in India's digital economy.
