Mumbai Airport Cab Drivers Strike Over Fares

Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) witnessed a sudden work stoppage by app-based cab drivers on Tuesday, causing minor disruptions to passengers.

The drivers, operating in and around Terminal-2 (T2), restricted their vehicles from accepting bookings on major ride-hailing platforms like Ola and Uber.

Their core demands centered on three long-pending issues: payout revision and fixed fares, crackdown on unregulated services, and restrictions on carpooling.

The cab drivers have demanded the implementation of state-notified base tariffs and higher net per-kilometer earnings to match rising operational and fuel expenses.

They also called for strict policy enforcement and bans against commercial bike-taxi operations, which drivers argue undercut licensed four-wheeler operators.

Additionally, they demanded elimination or strict regulation of multi-passenger pooling features on aggregator apps to protect per-trip revenues.

CSMIA authorities issued a formal passenger advisory, urging travelers to plan ahead and consider alternate modes of transportation.

Airport ground staff redirected incoming travelers toward conventional metered kaali-peeli taxis, Cool Cabs, and nearby Mumbai Metro links.

The Gig Workers Association's president, Keshav Sagar, expressed solidarity with the driver-led action, pointing to persistent delays by authorities in establishing a fair pricing system.

The strike highlights the ongoing issues faced by app-based cab drivers in Mumbai, who are struggling with eroding profit margins, high platform commissions, and aggressive app algorithms.

The situation is a concern for passengers, who may face longer wait times and higher fares due to the strike.

The airport authorities and the government need to address the drivers' demands and establish a fair pricing system to resolve the issue.

The strike is a reminder of the need for regulatory intervention in the app-based cab industry to ensure fair competition and protect the interests of drivers and passengers alike.

In the meantime, passengers are advised to plan their travel in advance and consider alternative modes of transportation to avoid inconvenience.