Ola, Uber Cabs & Auto Services To Remain Suspended In Bhopal Today: Commuters Advised To Seek Alternatives

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Passengers could face inconvenience to travel to Bhopal airport, railway stations or bus stands today. Over 2,500 taxis and 2,000 autos connected with app based platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido are on a complete strike in the city.

The protest is being organized today by the Taxi Union Kalyan Samiti from 11 AM to 5 PM at Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti Park.

Consequently, mini cab fares for 10 km distance which usually costs Rs 185 to Rs 200, today showed above Rs 300.

The strike will severely impact services at key locations including Bhopal railway station, Rani Kamlapati station, Sant Hirdaram Nagar, ISBT, and Raja Bhoj Airport. Only non app based autos will remain in service today.

Union National Secretary Nafeesuddin said that the protest is against the exploitation of taxi drivers and will initiate with police permission. Posters and pamphlets have been placed citywide to inform the public.

Demands of the Taxi union

The union’s main demands include stopping illegal parking charges collection at railway stations, providing proper parking at airports and public points, curbing encroachment by private taxis at railway stations and airports, halting unregulated two wheeler taxi services and applying government fare rates to app based services.

They also demand fixing faulty fitness machines in the transport department, hold back inflated charges for panic button installation and allotting a permanent office to the union in Tulsi Nagar.

The union claims app based drivers operate without commercial permits, insurance or fitness which puts traditional drivers at a disadvantage and risking passenger safety.

Passengers are advised to make travel arrangements in advance and consider alternate modes of transport.

Bhopal taxi union strike sees low turnout

The strike called by the Bhopal Taxi Union Welfare Committee had minimal impact across the city. Though the union claimed participation of over 2,500 app-based taxis and 2,000 autos, only around 400 drivers actually joined the protest. By afternoon, even union leaders resumed operations.

The strike, which mainly involved private cab drivers, was called in protest against illegal fee collection at railway stations and other grievances. Commuters, however, bore the brunt. With taxis unavailable in the morning, many turned to autorickshaws and e-rickshaws only to be charged double the usual fare.

Rohit Singh, a passenger from Rewa, said autos demanded Rs 200 for a ride that normally costs Rs 100. He ultimately settled for Rs 170. Another commuter Pradeep Gupta called a friend instead of paying inflated fares.

Union national secretary Nafeesuddin said protest was against exploitation by both the transport department and app-based companies. He criticised daily subscription charges of Rs 150 by private cabs and the withdrawal of driver incentives. Only 70 members joined the protest, he added.