Mumbai, October 9, 2025 – Mumbai witnessed widespread transport disruptions on Wednesday as aggregator cab and auto drivers affiliated with the Bharatiya Gig Kamgar Manch (BGKM) staged a day-long strike across the city and other parts of Maharashtra. The strike, aimed at demanding fare revisions and opposing the entry of bike taxis into the market, caused significant inconvenience for daily commuters and travelers alike.
The strike led to a severe shortage of cabs and auto-rickshaws, particularly affecting travelers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, where arriving passengers struggled to find transport to their destinations. Many commuters were forced to resort to private vehicles, local trains, or walking to reach their workplaces or homes.
“We reached the airport at 10 AM, but there were almost no cabs available. It was extremely frustrating, especially with luggage and kids,” said Anjali Deshmukh, a traveler from Pune. “We had to wait for nearly an hour before getting a ride through a less-known local aggregator.”
The Bharatiya Gig Kamgar Manch stated that the strike was necessary to address the growing concerns of drivers regarding fare structures, operational costs, and competition from bike taxis, which they claim could reduce earnings for existing drivers. “We urge authorities and aggregator companies to listen to our demands and provide fair compensation,” said a BGKM spokesperson.
Despite the strike, some unions chose not to participate, ensuring that a limited number of cabs and auto-rickshaws remained operational. This partial service availability helped mitigate the impact to some extent but was insufficient to meet the city’s high demand for transport.
Authorities urged commuters to plan their travel ahead of time and use alternate modes of transportation, including local trains, buses, and metro services. The Mumbai Traffic Police issued advisories warning of potential congestion near key transport hubs due to the strike.
Experts note that such strikes are becoming increasingly common in the gig economy, where workers often have limited bargaining power and rely heavily on digital platforms for income. “Strikes like this highlight the need for better communication between platform companies and drivers, as well as more sustainable fare structures that benefit both drivers and consumers,” said Dr. Ramesh Patil, a labor economist.
By evening, the situation gradually improved as discussions between driver representatives and aggregator companies progressed, though commuters continued to experience sporadic delays. Officials have indicated that negotiations are ongoing and have urged all parties to find a long-term solution to prevent future disruptions.
The strike underscores the delicate balance between the gig workforce’s demands and the growing reliance on digital transport services in Mumbai. As the city continues to expand and face rising transport needs, authorities and companies will need to work collaboratively to ensure smooth, reliable services for residents and travelers alike.
