Ahmedabad is witnessing a four-day strike by auto-rickshaw and taxi drivers beginning today. The protest has been organised under the “Rozgar Bachao Andolan”, with drivers raising concerns over their income and working conditions.
The protesting drivers are objecting to the growing use of app-based transport services and private vehicles operating with white number plates for passenger travel. They are also raising concerns over low fares, one-way trip payments and other issues that they say are affecting their daily earnings.
As the strike began on Monday morning, commuters in several parts of Ahmedabad faced difficulties finding autos and taxis. At some locations, groups of protesting drivers gathered and urged other auto and taxi operators to join the strike. In some instances, vehicles continuing to operate were reportedly stopped and passengers were asked to get down.
The disruption has left many commuters searching for alternative modes of transport. At the same time, demand for app-based cab services increased, with passengers reporting significantly higher fares on some platforms.
The strike is expected to continue for four days, while auto-rickshaw and taxi operators are likely to hold protests at different locations across Ahmedabad to press their demands.
