App-based cab services face strikes and licensing issues in India

App-based cab services in India are facing significant regulatory and labor challenges in two different regions. In Guwahati, thousands of online cab drivers have entered an indefinite strike, removing Ola, Uber, and Rapido services from the city's roads. Drivers are protesting the widening gap between rising operating costs, particularly fuel prices, and stagnant earnings. They are demanding a government-mandated minimum fare of Rs 25 per km for smaller vehicles and Rs 50 per km for larger vehicles.

Simultaneously, in Maharashtra, major aggregators Ola, Uber, and Rapido failed to obtain required licenses by a September 1 deadline under a new state framework. The new regulations mandate fare caps and require companies to provide an 80% share of earnings to drivers. While an immediate shutdown of services has not occurred, the Maharashtra government is reviewing the companies' operations, with Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik scheduled to meet with company representatives to determine future actions.