The Odisha Online Drivers United Forum staged a peaceful demonstration in Bhubaneswar on Monday, demanding government intervention in the functioning of app-based taxi and mobility services. The forum has also called for an Odisha bandh to protest against online transport platforms, including Ola, Uber, Rapido and Odisha Yatri.
The drivers are primarily demanding a government-regulated fare structure and stronger safeguards for those working with online taxi and auto platforms. According to the forum, 21 smaller drivers’ unions have extended their support to the proposed bandh.
The organisation said demonstrations will be held across Odisha, with Bhubaneswar and Cuttack expected to witness larger participation.
Drivers Demand Fixed Fare Structure
A major demand raised by the protesting drivers is the introduction of a fixed fare system for online taxis.
The drivers allege that app-based companies currently have considerable control over fares, leading to uncertainty over their earnings. They want the state government to establish a transparent fare structure that applies uniformly to online taxi services.
Dinabandhu Nayak, president of the Smart City Online Auto Mahasangha, said the drivers had raised similar concerns with successive governments but had not received a satisfactory solution.
He said the current agitation has been organised with the backing of 21 smaller union groups and is aimed at pressing the government to address the long-standing concerns of app-based transport workers.
Drivers Say Issue Has Continued For 12 Years
Representatives of the drivers’ forum claimed that their problems with online transport platforms have continued for nearly 12 years.
They said the absence of a regulated fare mechanism has remained one of their biggest concerns and urged the government to step in and formulate clear rules governing fares and driver earnings.
Ganeshwar Behera, a zonal head of the forum, said the drivers had repeatedly raised the issue but were yet to see a concrete resolution.
According to the drivers, a fixed and regulated pricing system would provide greater stability to those dependent on app-based taxi services for their livelihood.
Support From Multiple Driver Unions
The proposed agitation has reportedly received support from 21 smaller unions, strengthening the forum’s demand for government action.
The organisation plans to extend its protest to different districts of Odisha. The participation is expected to be particularly significant in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, where app-based taxis and auto-rickshaws form an important part of urban transportation.
Drivers Seek Government Intervention
The forum has urged the Odisha government to initiate discussions with online mobility companies and driver representatives to find a long-term solution.
Apart from regulating fares, the drivers are seeking measures that protect their economic interests and provide greater transparency in the operation of app-based transport platforms.
The proposed bandh and district-level protests could put additional pressure on the state government to address the demands of online taxi and auto drivers. The next course of action is likely to depend on the government’s response to the forum’s demands.
