Daily commuters in Kolkata will face difficulty on Monday as app cab services will be suspended from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. due to a 12-hour strike called by app cab operators. The strike is in response to 11-point demands, including a fare increase, with drivers gathering at Ramlila Park in central Kolkata to show support for protesting drivers.
App cab operators have long been advocating for their demands, which have now been reiterated to the new government. They plan to march from Ramlila Park to the State Transport Department to submit a deputation outlining their grievances, hoping for a positive response from the state government. The operators express dissatisfaction with the previous government’s lack of attention to their concerns, leading to ongoing challenges for app cab drivers.
A circular has been circulated among app cab drivers detailing various demands, such as the need to adjust fares in line with fuel price hikes, prohibit the use of private vehicles for commercial purposes, and address CNG availability issues in Kolkata. Additionally, the circular calls for the discontinuation of using mobile numbers for pollution checks in commercial vehicles and proposes fare hikes for AC luxury cabs.
The reliance on app cab services, whether for weekday commutes or daily travel needs, is significant for many individuals in Kolkata. These services offer a convenient and efficient way to reach destinations promptly, with cabs available around the clock. Despite the convenience for passengers, drivers are encountering challenges in delivering services, prompting the strike to urge the new West Bengal government to address their grievances.
