App-Based Cab Strike Enters Fifth Day, Disrupts Airport Travel
The strike by drivers affiliated with app-based cab aggregators Uber, Ola and Rapido entered its fifth day on Sunday, with the protest spreading beyond Visakhapatnam Airport to different parts of the city and the neighbouring districts of Vizianagaram and Srikakulam.
The protesting drivers are demanding a revision of fares, alleging that the aggregators have reduced trip rates despite a steady rise in fuel prices and operating expenses.
“Our earnings have come down drastically even as fuel prices, maintenance costs and other expenses continue to increase. The existing fare structure is no longer sustainable,” a protesting driver said.
The drivers have also demanded the withdrawal of the aggregators’ “Radar” feature, alleging that it has further affected their income.
“The Radar system has reduced our chances of getting rides at fair prices. We also do not have any local office of these companies in Visakhapatnam where we can raise our grievances. Nearly 4,500 drivers are associated with these platforms, but there is no proper mechanism to address our concerns,” another driver said.
The strike has disrupted passenger transport, particularly at Visakhapatnam Airport, where app-based cab services have been severely affected. According to passengers, several drivers have declined bookings made through the apps and instead offered trips outside the platforms at higher fares.
“App-based cabs were the most affordable option for airport travel. Now we are forced to depend on private taxis and autorickshaws, which are charging much more,” said a passenger waiting outside the airport.
Passengers pointed out that before the strike, app-based taxi services offered significantly lower fares than conventional taxis. A trip between Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram, which typically costs around ₹2,000 by regular taxi, was available for ₹900 to ₹1,000 through app-based services. Similarly, rides from the airport to Maddilapalem and MVP Colony were priced at around ₹300, while trips to Madhurawada cost about ₹500.
With app-based cabs remaining largely unavailable, commuters have increasingly turned to private taxis and autorickshaws for local travel.
The ongoing strike has also raised concerns over transport connectivity ahead of the expected commencement of operations at Bhogapuram International Airport in the coming weeks.
“If the strike continues after the new airport becomes operational, passengers could face serious inconvenience in reaching and leaving the airport,” a frequent traveller said.