Pune airport commuters faced major inconvenience as thousands of app-based cab drivers went on an unannounced strike Friday morning, demanding the state revoke permission for e-bike taxi services.
Many passengers reported harassment, overcharging, and threats from protesting drivers who forced others to stop services.
Airport authorities attempted to arrange alternate transport, but the limited number of rickshaws and cabs was insufficient to meet demand.
Pune, 19 July 2025: Thousands of app-based cab drivers abruptly went on strike early Friday morning (July 18), leaving passengers arriving at Pune Airport stranded and frustrated. The protest, staged in opposition to the Maharashtra government's approval of e-bike taxi services, began without prior notice, coinciding with an ongoing demonstration in Mumbai's Azad Maidan.
The strike had a direct impact on commuters at the airport’s Aeromall area, which typically sees over 6,000 to 7,000 cab movements daily. Around 5,000 cab drivers reportedly withheld service during the protest, significantly disrupting transportation for air passengers.
Several passengers complained of harassment and being forced to pay inflated fares by cab drivers who chose to operate offline. Some drivers were reportedly coerced into halting services by striking cabbies, with threats and intimidation witnessed near Season Mall and other locations. The aggressive behaviour sparked public outrage, with many travellers expressing anger over what they called "bullying tactics."
Airport authorities tried to mitigate the crisis by deploying additional rickshaws and non-striking cabs, but the number was insufficient given the high passenger volume. According to Yuvrajsingh Rajput, Vice President of Aeromall, steps were taken to increase the number of available vehicles, offering some relief to affected passengers.
Dr. Keshav Kshirsagar, President of the Bharatiya Gig Kamgar Manch, said the strike was necessary: “When the rickshaw and cab businesses are already struggling financially, the state’s decision to allow e-bike taxis will only worsen the situation. We are protesting to demand the cancellation of this permission.”
Passengers caught in the middle of the standoff voiced anger over being held hostage to the protest. With many unable to find transport or forced to pay exorbitant rates, the situation highlighted the growing tensions in the urban transport sector amid emerging alternatives like e-bike taxis.
