The indefinite strike by app-based cab drivers under the banner of Maharashtra Navnirman Vahtuk Sena turned violent on Monday, with at least seven cabs vandalised in different parts of the city as the agitation against app-based bike taxi services intensified. Incidents of vandalism were reported from Mahal, Rahate Colony, Hingna, Jaitala, Airport, Dattawadi and other areas. Protesters alleged that some cab operators had defied the strike call and continued to operate, triggering confrontations that culminated in damage to vehicles.

 

The agitation has been launched against what cab operators describe as the illegal operation of bike taxis through aggregator platforms in Maharashtra. According to protest leaders, nearly 80 per cent of the city’s estimated 5,000 app-based cabs remained off the roads on Monday. A similar ‘no pickup, no drop’ protest had been organised at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport in April. The strike was withdrawn on April 22 after district authorities reportedly assured action against bike taxi operations.

 

rotesters now claim that no meaningful action followed those assurances. “We waited patiently for the authorities to act and submitted memorandums to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and other authorities, but nothing happened. We were left with no option but to return to agitation,” said Charan Shukla, one of the striking drivers. Deepak Sane, President of the Taxi Vehicle Drivers and Owners Joint Action Committee, alleged that thousands of bike taxi trips were being conducted daily in the city, severely affecting the earnings of licensed cab operators. “Many drivers purchased vehicles through bank loans and are struggling to pay their monthly EMIs. The impact of unregulated bike taxis has become unbearable,” he said. Drivers further argued that while cab operators are required to obtain licences, badges, permits and other regulatory clearances, bike taxi operators continue to function without similar compliance requirements.

 

The agitation is set to escalate with a major protest rally from Samvidhan square to Collector office on Tuesday. Protest leaders warned that the movement could intensify into a citywide ‘Chakka Jam’ if their demands are not addressed, holding authorities responsible for any disruption caused by the protest. The protesters have appealed all the cab drivers to be present for the strike in large numbers at Samvidhan Square.