In a unique protest, three cab drivers walked nearly 150 kilometres from Pune to Mumbai to highlight the plight of app-based cab drivers and their grievances. Affiliated with the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha, the trio said they were upset with the “injustice” meted out to them by app-based taxi companies.
Starting from Pune on April 10, the three walked to Mumbai with four halts and reached the city border on Wednesday morning. The drivers, identified as Parmeshwar Ghonge, Santosh Durge, and Vaibhav Bhegde, all in their 40s, crossed Andheri and reached near the international airport in the evening. They are scheduled to reach Mumbai`s Azad Maidan on Thursday to submit a petition to the authorities.
What is the protest about?
The protest has been undertaken to draw the administration’s attention to the claim that app-based companies are operating illegally across the state, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among drivers.
Arbitrary rates: Drivers alleged that app-based companies are displaying arbitrary fares, ignoring Transport Department orders, and continuing bike-taxi services in cities like Mumbai and Nagpur despite FIRs and lack of valid licences, causing discontent among drivers and passengers.
Fees from drivers: They also raised concerns over repeated deductions from drivers under the guise of “panic button” charges, lack of transparency in commissions, and non-compliance with government-approved rates.
Government-notified rates: In Maharashtra (Mumbai Metropolitan Region), app-based cabs such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido are required to follow government-notified fare structures aimed at balancing passenger affordability and driver earnings. However, companies have reportedly been ignoring these norms, citing surge pricing and other factors.
Trade union support
Dr Keshav Nana Kshirsagar, president of Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha, said the march has been called a “padayatra for justice.” He said the protest aims to highlight the injustice faced by cab drivers and the arbitrary practices of app-based companies.
“These cab drivers will reach Azad Maidan in Mumbai on April 15 at 4 pm, after which they will meet transport officials and submit their representation,” he said.
Officials’ response
A transport official said, “We have repeatedly asked companies to follow government rates on their applications. Companies are blaming each other for not complying with orders. We are continuously following up on the issue.”
Voices from the protest
Santosh Durge, cab driver from Pune, says, “Our legs ached, and the sun drained us out. But the fight must go on. Government rates are not reflected in the apps, leading to conflicts between drivers and commuters. App companies are not following norms, and we are bearing the brunt. Bike taxis are also operating illegally and have dented our business.”
Parmeshwar Ghonge, a cab driver from Pune, says, “We fell ill on the way and faced several medical issues, but our determination kept us going. We received timely medical support. We plan to submit our petition to the transport minister and the chief minister. It is unfair that despite government notifications, rules are not being followed.”
Vaibhav Bhegde, cab driver from Pune, says, “We suffered blisters and injuries due to the long walk, but our determination remained strong. We represent the app-based cab community, and this protest is to draw government attention. Many drivers and supporters joined us along the way.”
Route and details
Route taken: Pune RTO, Talegaon, Khopoli, Panvel, Kamothe, Sanpada, Vashi, Andheri, Airport, Azad Maidan
Total distance: 150 km
* This article was originally published here
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