Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Residents of Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula are facing major travel disruptions as app-based cab drivers associated with Ola, Uber and InDrive have gone on strike, leaving thousands of commuters without taxi services. The strike is expected to continue until June 16, with cab availability suspended until at least 4 PM today and disruptions likely to persist in the coming days.
The protest has been launched over the drivers' demand for an increase in fare rates. According to the drivers, the Chandigarh Administration fixed the fare at ₹25 per kilometre in 2025, but the rates have not been revised despite repeated increases in petrol, diesel and CNG prices.
Drivers claim that CNG prices have risen by nearly ₹9 per kg, while diesel and petrol costs have also increased significantly, making the current fare structure financially unsustainable. They are demanding that the fare be revised to ₹35 per kilometre.
The strike is expected to impact around 50,000 passengers, forcing many commuters to depend on government buses and auto-rickshaws, especially during the ongoing summer heat.
In the absence of app-based cabs, Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) buses are expected to play a crucial role. CTU operates on 65–70 local and suburban routes, connecting almost all sectors of Chandigarh with key locations such as PGI, GMCH-32, Chandigarh Railway Station, ISBT-17 and ISBT-43.
