Hyderabad: The all-India strike by app-based transport workers caused mild disruptions in Hyderabad on Saturday, with commuters reporting slightly higher fares and longer wait times on cab and bike taxi apps.However, the impact remained limited, largely due to the weekend lull and the availability of metro rail services, which emerged as a key fallback option for many residents. While the strike led to widespread disruption in several cities across the country, its effect in Hyderabad was uneven. A section of drivers continued to operate despite the shutdown call, citing financial constraints. “We support the protest, but we can’t afford to lose even a single day’s income. There are EMIs, fuel costs and family expenses,” a driver who continued plying told TOI. The nationwide strike was called by app-based transport workers under the banner of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) and Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT). Union leaders claimed participation from more than six lakh drivers across India, including around one lakh drivers in Hyderabad associated with platforms such as Ola, Uber, Rapido and Porter. Falling incomesAccording to the unions, the protest was aimed at highlighting falling incomes and what they described as growing exploitation of gig workers. They blamed both the central and state govts for failing to notify minimum base fares under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines-2025, allowing aggregator companies to continue fixing fares unilaterally. Founder-president of TGPWU and co-founder and national general secretary of IFAT, Shaik Salauddin, said the strike was meant as a warning to policymakers.States blamed for mess“Despite clear guidelines, govts have failed to act. Aggregators are dictating fares, forcing workers to work 14 to 16 hours a day just to survive. Our key demand is immediate notification of minimum base fares in consultation with recognised unions, along with strict enforcement of commercial vehicle norms,” he said. Commuters across Hyderabad reported mixed experiences depending on their location and dependence on app-based transport. An auditor from Bolarum said he faced noticeable inconvenience. “Booking took longer than usual and surge pricing made it impractical. I had to reschedule meetings and use local transport. If this had been a weekday, the disruption would have been far worse,” he said. In Erragadda, commuter Sudhakar Narne said services were available but unpredictable. “Availability was slightly lower, though autorickshaws were still running. Today needed more planning and patience,” he said. Others said metro rail services ensured smooth travel. S Venkateshwarlu, a resident of Moti Nagar, said, “Even if cabs are scarce, the metro is reliable. It cushions the impact of such strikes.” The choice of Saturday significantly softened the blow, with fewer office-goers on the roads and metro services operating at full capacity. However, unions cautioned that core issues remain unresolved and warned of sharper disruptions if govts fail to initiate dialogue and enforce existing regulations.
