Even though app-based cab drivers have called off their ‘no pickup, no drop’ strike at Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport following assurances from the District Collector, scepticism persists among drivers over whether their condition will see any meaningful improvement. The protest was launched on April 14, with drivers demanding strict action against bike taxis allegedly operating illegally in the city, a revision in fares by aggregator companies, and the introduction of an ‘Orange City Taxi Service’ under the aegis of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). The agitation, led by the Taxi Vehicle Drivers and Owners Joint Action Committee, Nagpur, was withdrawn after District Collector Kumar Ashirwad assured representatives during a meeting on Wednesday that offences would be registered against aggregator companies if bike taxis were allowed to operate in violation of the Motor Vehicles Act. He further stated that, riders found operating without a commercial licence would be detained and fined.

 

However, Deepak Sane, President of the Joint Action Committee, expressed doubts over the feasibility of enforcing these assurances. “About 26,000 rides are conducted by bike taxis in the city every day. How much manpower can the authorities deploy to curb such a large-scale operation remains a matter of concern,” Sane told ‘The Hitavada’. Sane also questioned the intent and commitment of aggregator companies. He pointed out that, a representative from one aggregator present at the meeting appeared to be handling accounts and lacked decision-making authority, while another major aggregator was absent altogether. According to him, companies that onboarded bike taxi riders despite an existing ban cannot be relied upon to remove them merely on the basis of a meeting.

 

He further stated that, the proposal for a ‘Nagpur City Taxi Service’ was not seriously considered during discussions, reportedly due to concerns over the cost of developing and maintaining an application. Sane, however, argued that such costs could be recovered through a platform fee, which drivers are willing to bear in exchange for fair pricing and stable earnings. Although the strike has been immediately called off, discontent among drivers remains unresolved. Many are now adopting a wait-and-watch approach, uncertain whether the administration’s assurances will translate into concrete action or fade with time, as has been their experience in the past.