Chandigarh: Commuters across Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula are likely to face disruptions in app-based cab services on Tuesday as cab driver unions have launched a strike to press for the fulfilment of their long-pending demands. The protest is expected to affect ride-hailing operations throughout the Tricity, although public transport and auto-rickshaw services will continue to function normally.
With thousands of passengers depending on online cab platforms for daily travel, the strike may increase pressure on Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) buses and other alternative modes of transport.
The agitation has also highlighted differences within the driver community, with two separate groups choosing different venues for their demonstrations. One faction is staging a sit-in outside the State Transport Authority office in Sector 18 from 10 am onwards, while another union has continued its protest at the Rally Ground in Sector 25.
Representatives of the protesting unions said their objective is to draw the attention of the Chandigarh administration towards issues affecting cab drivers and to seek prompt intervention.
Vikram Singh Pundir, who heads the Tricity Cab Driver Welfare Association, said the union remains open to dialogue and is willing to withdraw the protest if the administration takes concrete steps to address its concerns.
Meanwhile, Chandigarh Tricity Driver Union president Amandeep Singh said his organisation has been protesting continuously at the Sector 25 Rally Ground for the past two weeks. According to him, despite repeated demonstrations and the submission of memorandums to the authorities, no meaningful progress has been made.
He maintained that only a direct meeting with the Punjab Governor, who also serves as the Administrator of Chandigarh, could lead to a resolution. Until such an interaction takes place, the union intends to continue its agitation.
Among the key demands raised by the drivers is the strict enforcement of the Chandigarh administration’s 2025 cab policy. The unions have sought stringent action against companies that fail to comply with the prescribed regulations, including financial penalties and cancellation of operating licences in cases of repeated violations.
The drivers are also demanding a revision of the minimum fare structure. They argue that the existing rate of ₹25 per kilometre, fixed under the 2025 policy, no longer reflects operational costs due to the increase in fuel prices. They have called for the fare to be revised to ₹35 per kilometre to help offset rising expenses.
Another major concern relates to enforcement practices. Driver unions allege that regulatory action is disproportionately directed at individual drivers while companies violating norms often escape scrutiny. They have urged the State Transport Authority to initiate action against defaulting operators and to prohibit the use of privately registered vehicles with white number plates for commercial taxi services.
While cab bookings may remain affected during the day, the Tricity Auto Union has clarified that it is not participating in the strike. As a result, auto-rickshaws and CTU bus services are expected to provide relief to commuters navigating the transport disruption.
The outcome of the protest will largely depend on whether the administration initiates talks with the agitating unions, who have indicated their willingness to end the strike if their demands receive a positive response.
