Cab services were severely disrupted at major points like Pune Airport and Pune Railway Station due to a strike called by the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha, a cab drivers' union. The ongoing statewide protest is over fare regulation and has already impacted commuters in Mumbai and now Pune.
The Free Press Journal team tried booking cabs to different parts of Pune but couldn’t find any available.
A man named Sonu Pandey wrote on X, “Dear @AjitPawarSpeaks & @Dev_Fadnavis I'm writing to express serious concerns about the pathetic situation with cabs at Pune Airport. Many people arriving by flight, especially those from out of state, rely on ride-sharing apps like Ola and Uber. Last night, I witnessed a truly unacceptable scenario. There were approximately five to seven individuals, acting like thugs, who were threatening and even physically assaulting cab drivers for either canceling bookings or for not complying with their demands."
He added, "Meanwhile, regular cabs were charging exorbitant fares—upwards of ₹2,000 for a mere 10-kilometer ride. This is a complete disaster unfolding at Pune Airport. Almost everyone, regardless of age, was forced to wait for over three hours to book.”
One person also claimed that people were forcibly made to get down at Baner from autos.
Another user posted, “@Olacabs @Uber_India drivers are on strike in Pune. The few drivers that are not on strike are being beaten up. They want Ola and Uber to stop plying in Pune or reduce the heavy commission.”
