The strike by online cab and auto drivers entered its third day on Wednesday, paralysing traffic across the capital.
Under the banner of the Online Cab Association, thousands of drivers staged demonstrations at Lower PMG, blocking roads from PMG to Rajmahal and bringing commuting to a standstill.
Protesters parked autos and taxis along major routes, organised a procession, and raised slogans demanding fare regulation and social security. The agitation has left passengers stranded at the airport, railway station, and bus stand, with offline fares soaring up to three times the usual rates.
Drivers expressed frustration over the government’s silence, alleging no dialogue has been initiated despite repeated appeals. Their demands include:
- Fixed fare rates of Rs 12/km during the day and Rs 15/km at night
- Fuel price‑linked fare revision
- Companies bearing discount costs
- Full fare payment for cancelled rides
- End to arbitrary account blocks
- Compensation for waiting time and traffic delays
- Permanent offices for aggregator companies in Odisha
- Restrictions on adding new vehicles without regulation
Leaders warned that services will not resume until demands are met, and cautioned that the agitation could intensify further if the government fails to intervene.
