App-based transport workers from platforms like Ola, Uber, Rapido, and Porter are set to stage a “breakdown” nationwide due to declining earnings and increased exploitation. The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and Indian Federation of App Based Transport Workers (IFAT) have organized this protest. They are highlighting the lack of minimum base fares implementation under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, leading to financial struggles for workers.
Shaik Salahuddin, the founder President of TGPWU and co-founder and National General Secretary of IFAT, expressed concerns over aggregator companies setting fares independently, which adversely affects workers’ working conditions. The unions are demanding the immediate establishment of minimum base fares for app-based transport services in consultation with recognized worker unions, as outlined in the Aggregator Guidelines, 2025. Additionally, they are calling for a strict ban on non-commercial vehicles being used for commercial transport or their mandatory conversion to commercial category vehicles under the Motor Vehicles Act and Aggregator Guidelines, 2025.
TGPWU and IFAT are urging both Central and state governments to engage in dialogue with worker representatives to ensure fair and sustainable regulation of the app-based transport industry. Salahuddin mentioned that drivers from platforms like Ola, Uber, and Porter will participate in the protest by either rejecting ride requests or deactivating their ride-hailing apps. In Telangana alone, there are approximately 2.5 lakh auto-rickshaw drivers, 1.5 lakh cab drivers, and around 50,000 Porter drivers.
The unions had previously communicated their decision to observe the All-India ‘breakdown’ to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, and other officials. They stressed the urgent need for setting minimum fares for app-based transport services in consultation with recognized driver and worker unions, emphasizing the importance of fair regulations.
