Taxi drivers’ protest enters fifth day, app-based taxi services suspended

A protest by drivers associated with app-based taxi aggregators entered the fifth day in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, disrupting services run through Ola, Uber and Rapido in several parts of the city.

The drivers demanded a revision of fares in accordance with the increase in the price of gasoline, diesel and CNG, and organized a demonstration at the airport. They said repeated representations to the district administration and transport authorities did not yield a response, prompting them to intensify their agitation.

The protesters raised slogans demanding higher fares, cancellation of double and triple fare allocation and 50% surcharge for night journeys. The protest affected the taxi service in areas like Pendurthi, PM Palem, Gajuwaka and Kurmannapalem causing inconvenience to commuters.

CITU Cab Union General Secretary Poli Naidu told the rally that 4,000 to 5,000 drivers in Visakhapatnam depend on Ola, Uber and Rapido for their livelihood. Despite the constant rise in fuel prices, companies have not revised fares or addressed drivers’ concerns, which he said has resulted in serious financial difficulties.

The union called on the government and shipping companies to resolve the issues as soon as possible. It warned that the agitation would extend to the Bhogapuram airport corridor if the demands remained unresolved. The drivers said they will continue their protest until a favorable decision is taken.

Published – 05 Jul 2026 19:48 IST