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Time of India
17-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Cab drivers threaten road blockade if govt fails to act on demands
Nagpur: Drivers operating app-based cab services in the city sought govt intervention to resolve their issues and warned of staging blockade by parking their cabs on roads in front of govt offices if their demands for fare revision, company benefits and better working conditions are not met. The drivers staged a protest at Samvidhan Chowk to raise their demands and stayed off roads on Thursday. "Our only demand is fare increase, dignified working environment and secure livelihoods," a driver said. App-based cab drivers have alleged prolonged neglect by authorities despite repeatedly raising grievances with app-based aggregator companies, the RTO, and even the collector's office. Deepak Sane, one of the protesting drivers, alleged that during the pandemic, companies initially promised benefits like Covid insurance but later denied claims. "One of the drivers died in an accident during Covid, but the company rejected the claim, citing the cause as infection, not accident," he said. The drivers also complained about the lack of physical infrastructure and support. "Local offices have been shut, and there's no designated pickup point at the Nagpur railway station. We requested RTO for a taxi booth but got no response," said Sane. Vinod Vivahare, Mahamantri of the Rashtriya Chalak Malak Sangathan, raised the safety issue. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo "Passengers have panic buttons, but drivers don't. If a passenger turns violent or abusive, there's no way for us to seek help," he said. Driver Bhushan Jachak said, "We follow all rules and regulations laid down by the companies and govt, yet we are not being paid fairly. All we want is that govt's approved fare rates be applied to app-based cab services." Rajat Chaudhary, another driver, highlighted the economic pressure. "We bought cars on loans. Even after working 14-15 hours a day, we earn only Rs2,000-Rs3,000. That's not enough to cover fuel, EMIs, and household expenses. How is this sustainable?" he said.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Taxi union appeals to CM to address drivers' woes
Nagpur: The Vidarbha App-Based Taxi Union (VABTU), representing thousands of taxi drivers in Nagpur, submitted a strong appeal to CM Devendra Fadnavis during his Janata Darbar held at Hyderabad House on Saturday. The union expressed deep frustration over the govt's failure to address their pressing concerns despite multiple petitions and personal representations. In a letter addressed to the CM, VABTU president Deepak Sane lamented that their earlier submission on April 20, 2025, along with numerous follow-ups, went unanswered. "If the administration cannot respond to genuine grievances, what is the purpose of Janata Darbar?" he questioned. The union criticised the govt for prioritising its own interests and issuing government resolutions (GRs) without resolving core issues faced by taxi drivers, many of whom invested heavily in their vehicles through loans. They also condemned the recent approval to bike taxis, stating it does not address the livelihood concerns of traditional taxi drivers. Further, VABTU demanded that cab aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido be directed to comply with state regulations on taxi fares and ensure driver safety as per govt guidelines. Sane urged the CM to either take immediate corrective action or allow him to set own taxi ablaze outside the CM's residence as a form of protest. The union's appeal highlights the growing unrest among taxi drivers struggling to sustain their livelihood amid competition from app-based bike taxis and the lack of govt support. Autorickshaw drivers too condemned the state govt for allowing app-based bike taxis, stating if started they would die of starvation.
