Delhi Taxi Drivers Stage Major Protest, Demand Regulation and Bike Taxi Ban
App-based cab drivers and conventional taxi operators held a significant protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Saturday, calling for comprehensive regulation of the transportation sector and an immediate ban on bike taxis. The demonstration, organized by multiple taxi drivers' unions, highlighted growing concerns over pricing policies and the use of private vehicles as taxis.
Unified Demands from Driver Unions
Several taxi drivers' unions, including the Rashtriya Driver Sanyukta Morcha Samiti and the All Delhi Auto Taxi Congress Union, participated in the protest. They presented a list of key demands aimed at addressing long-standing issues affecting their livelihoods.
Kishan Verma, president of the All Delhi Auto Taxi Congress Union, stated, "We intend to submit our demands to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Our primary requests include the establishment of a Rashtriya Chalak Ayog for driver welfare, an immediate nationwide ban on private bike taxis, and a resolution to the surge pricing issue on app-based platforms."
Verma emphasized that while surge pricing often leads passengers to believe drivers are profiting, the drivers themselves do not benefit from these increased fares, creating financial strain and public misunderstanding.
Key Issues Raised by Protesters
The protesters outlined several critical concerns during the demonstration:
- Ban on Private Bike Taxis: Drivers demanded an immediate prohibition on bike taxis operating with private vehicles, arguing that this practice undermines licensed drivers and compromises safety standards.
- Surge Pricing Reforms: The unions called for urgent action to address surge pricing mechanisms, which they claim disproportionately affect drivers without providing corresponding benefits.
- Regulation of Private Vehicles: Protesters insisted on stricter enforcement against the use of private vehicles as taxis, citing negative impacts on the livelihoods of properly licensed drivers.
- Driver Welfare Commission: A key demand was the creation of a Rashtriya Chalak Ayog, a national commission dedicated to addressing the welfare and rights of drivers across the country.
Broader Implications for the Transportation Sector
The protest underscores deepening tensions within Delhi's transportation ecosystem, where traditional taxi services face increasing competition from app-based platforms and informal bike taxi operations. Drivers argue that unregulated practices and policy gaps are eroding their economic stability and professional standing.
The demonstration at Jantar Mantar reflects a broader movement among transportation workers seeking governmental intervention to ensure fair practices, regulatory clarity, and improved working conditions. As the sector evolves, the demands highlight the need for balanced policies that protect both driver interests and passenger safety.
With plans to formally present their demands to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the taxi unions are pushing for national-level reforms that could reshape India's urban mobility landscape. The outcome of these efforts may set important precedents for transportation regulation in other major cities across the country.
