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This is an archive article published on December 3, 2024

Pune’s Aeromall cab drivers to strike on Dec 11, want Ola and Uber to comply with govt directive on fare

During the strike, drivers plan to boycott Ola and Uber rides and instead operate independently by taking bookings through a common WhatsApp group.

Pune Ola and Uber have so far refused to implement the updated fare structure.Ola and Uber have so far refused to implement the updated fare structure. (Express file)

App-based cab drivers operating at the Aeromall have announced a one-day strike on December 11 in Pune, demanding that Ola and Uber comply with the government-mandated fare structure introduced in January this year.

The strike is expected to disrupt Ola and Uber services at the Aeromall, potentially causing inconvenience for passengers seeking rides upon exiting the Pune airport. The drivers are also calling for the Pune RTO’s intervention regarding the permit processes for both companies.

Kesha Kshirsagar, spokesperson for the Indian Gig Workers Front (IGWF), stated that around 300 drivers from his union will participate in the strike. “Numerous cases of overcharging have been reported in the airport area, yet neither the RTO, the airport authority, nor the Aeromall management has taken any action. This situation benefits only the companies, leaving both passengers and drivers at a disadvantage,” he said.

During the strike, drivers plan to boycott Ola and Uber rides and instead operate independently by taking bookings through a common WhatsApp group. The boycott is set to continue until December 15.

While the case regarding Ola and Uber’s operational permits in Pune is under review by the State Transport Appellate Tribunal (STAT), the drivers allege that the Airport Authority of India and the Aeromall management continue to collaborate with these aggregator companies despite unresolved issues.

Driver unions demand immediate action

The driver unions have submitted a formal letter to the Pune Airport Director and the Aeromall management, demanding immediate action on their grievances.

However, Y S Rajput, vice-president of Aeromall, stated that while the drivers have the right to protest, they will not be allowed to stage the strike within airport premises. “They should conduct their strike outside the airport premises to avoid causing inconvenience to passengers. If their actions disrupt passenger services, we will notify the police,” he warned.

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The revised cab fares, introduced by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) and the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in January this year, were based on the recommendations of the Khatua Committee. However, Ola and Uber have so far refused to implement the updated fare structure.

Shubham Tigga is a Correspondent at The Indian Express, presently based in Pune, where he covers the intersections of infrastructure, labor, and the modern economy. His reporting focuses on civil aviation, urban mobility, the gig economy, and workers' unions, providing critical insights into how transit and commercial sectors impact the daily lives of citizens. Expertise & Background Before moving to Pune, he reported extensively from his home state of Chhattisgarh, where he focused on Indigenous (Adivasi) issues, environmental justice, and grassroots struggles in mainland India. This experience gives him a unique lens through which he analyzes the impact of large-scale infrastructure projects on local communities. Academic Foundation He is an alumnus of the prestigious Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), where he honed his skills in investigative reporting and ethical journalism. His academic training, combined with his field experience in Central India, allows him to navigate complex socio-economic landscapes with nuance and accuracy. You can reach out to him on LinkedIn ... Read More


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