Commuters across India may face a lot of disruption on **February 7, 2026**, as drivers of app-based ride-hailing platforms like **Ola**, **Uber**, **Rapido**, and **Porter** have called for a nationwide protest named **”All India Breakdown”**. **Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU)** has organized the event in association with other national labor organizations (including the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers). The action urges drivers to log off from the app for several hours at a time (usually around 6 hours), which will reduce the availability of cabs, autos and bike taxis in big cities.

This strike is being held due to long-standing complaints regarding the operation of the gig economy without any regulation. In a formal letter to Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways **Nitin Gadkari**, TGPWU highlighted several unresolved issues, including the absence of fare structures notified by the government. Despite the **Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025** (which mandate monitoring, transparent pricing and driver safety), platforms reportedly fix fares unilaterally, leading to income volatility, high commissions (often 20-30%+), declining earnings amid rising fuel/maintenance costs, and exploitation of millions of drivers.

**Main demands** include:
– Immediate notification of **minimum base fares** for app-based services (autos, cabs, bike taxis) by the Central and State Governments, to be decided in consultation with recognized driver unions and in line with the 2025 guidelines for predictable, fair earnings.
– Strict ban on **private (non-commercial/white-plate) vehicles** running commercially for passenger/goods transport, which unions claim creates unfair competition with licensed drivers and reduces earnings.

The protests follow recent actions by gig workers (e.g., the Quick Commerce/Delivery strike on December 31, 2025 over low wages and pressure) and reflect widespread frustration with policy inaction despite existing rules. Although some reports are speculating its connection with recent developments like the launch of Bharat Taxi, the main reason is fare regulation and exploitation.

Drivers are describing the action as a “silent protest” to highlight how platforms profit while pushing workers into poverty. Passengers should be prepared for delays, higher surge pricing (if partial services run), or alternatives to public transport/taxi. There was no immediate response from the government, but the strike underlines demands for strict enforcement of aggregator rules.