Pune Auto and Cab Drivers Protest at Collector’s Office Against Bike Taxis; Demand FIR Against Rapido, Official Fares on Apps, Warn of Indefinite Strike
Thousands of auto and cab drivers protested at the Pune Collector’s office against bike taxis, sought an FIR against Rapido and warned of an indefinite strike.
Photo: Universalashic / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pune, 3rd November 2026: Thousands of auto rickshaw and cab drivers protested outside the Pune Collector’s office on Monday, 2 November, demanding action against bike taxi services they say are running illegally in the city and hurting their livelihoods. The protest was organised by the Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha, led by Dr Keshav Kshirsagar.
The drivers want an FIR against the owners and responsible employees of Rapido in Pune for allegedly continuing bike taxi operations against government rules, and action against its representatives for allegedly ignoring earlier directions from the Collector and the RTO. They also want all ride-hailing apps, including Ola, Uber and Rapido, to show official government-approved meter fares.
“We are helpless”
Kshirsagar claimed nearly 5,000 bike taxis operate in Pune without the required licences. Drivers said they must follow strict licensing rules and pay fines, while bike taxis allegedly face no such checks. “Why are different rules being applied?” auto driver Kamlesh Gavli asked, according to the Free Press Journal. Another driver, Vijay Waghmare, said: “We are helpless.”
Cab driver Yogesh Jangam said drivers are losing ₹500 to ₹1,000 a day, and that Pune-Mumbai cab trips which used to cost ₹3,500 to ₹4,000 are now being offered for about ₹1,800.
Strike warning
According to the Sabha, the District Collector responded positively and directed police to take legal action against Rapido’s bike taxi operations. Kshirsagar warned of an indefinite strike if the services are not stopped within the coming days and drivers are not assured of working at government-approved fares. Rapido’s response was not available.
An indefinite auto strike would hit commuters at railway stations, bus stands and the new Metro Line 3 stations, which open to passengers on 4 November. Read more about Pune Metro Line 3 fares and stations.
Frequently asked questions
Why are Pune auto drivers protesting?
They say bike taxis, especially Rapido, are operating illegally and undercutting them, and want an FIR against Rapido and official fares displayed on ride-hailing apps.
Will there be an auto strike in Pune?
The Maharashtra Kamgar Sabha has warned of an indefinite strike if bike taxis are not stopped in the coming days. No date has been announced.
How many bike taxis run in Pune?
The drivers’ association claims about 5,000. There is no official figure.
