Mumbai: On July 15, 2025, thousands of auto-rickshaw drivers, cabbies and gig workers from across Maharashtra gathered at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, to protest the alleged inaction of the transport department and demand stronger protection and regulation for platform-based workers.
Central to the protest is the demand for government accountability in regulating app-based transport aggregators like Ola, Uber and Rapido, who, according to a recent transport department letter, continue to operate vehicles illegally, including bike taxis and buses, despite being under suspension orders.
Although transport officials claim Rapido’s bike taxi services have been halted, screenshots and app activity show services still running, including near the state ministry headquarters. Protesters allege no penalties have been imposed on the platforms, despite repeated violations such as surge pricing, exploitation and non-compliance with Indian transport laws.
Workers have also slammed the central transport ministry for allowing app platforms to charge double fares, calling it a move that protects illegal operators while disregarding the welfare of commuters and drivers alike.
Another major demand is the lifting of the six-year-old ban on new rickshaw permits, with the state and Centre reportedly passing the buck.
Thousands of workers from Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad reportedly left for the protest site by cabs early Tuesday.
