Autorickshaw unions across Gujarat have gone on strike to protest against the new Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025. The strike began on Tuesday after union members filed a complaint with local authorities. They claim that the new rules create unfair competition. The unions are demanding an immediate end to two-wheeler ride services provided by online platforms. They argue that these services undercut their business and threaten their livelihoods. In Ahmedabad, the strike has caused significant disruption. An estimated 2 lakh autorickshaws have been taken off the roads. Commuters are facing severe inconvenience, with many left stranded. Traffic congestion has increased at major junctions, leading to frustration among those trying to get to work or other appointments. Eyewitnesses reported that some striking drivers stopped rickshaws carrying passengers. They urged their fellow drivers to join the protest. The unions allege that police have been unfairly targeting autorickshaw drivers during recent traffic enforcement drives. According to the unions, over 1,700 cases have been filed against rickshaw drivers for various traffic violations. They claim that police actions are not aimed at improving road safety but are instead a way to meet enforcement targets. The unions submitted a formal complaint to the Police Commissioner, expressing their concerns about wrongful harassment. The unions argue that while they are being penalised, other vehicles, such as taxis and private cars, are not facing the same scrutiny. This perceived unfair treatment has aggravated tensions between the autorickshaw drivers and law enforcement agencies. Union leaders state that the state government recognises autorickshaws as a vital means of livelihood. Yet, they believe that their members are being unfairly targeted. They also allege that police officials are accepting bribes from other types of commercial vehicles, while rickshaw drivers bear the brunt of enforcement actions. If the police actions do not change soon, union leaders warn that the strike could continue or even escalate. This could bring public transport in Ahmedabad to a near-standstill, further inconveniencing commuters. Autorickshaws are a crucial mode of transport in Ahmedabad. They provide last-mile connectivity, especially in areas not served by buses or metro services. The city has seen a significant increase in the number of autorickshaws over the past decade. In 2011, there were around 40,000 autorickshaws. By 2021, this number has grown to an estimated 170,000. The new transport rules, which came into effect on January 1, 2025, require all autorickshaws to have functional fare meters. Despite this rule, many drivers have faced fines, leading to a total of Rs 1.56 crore in penalties collected by traffic police. The city administration has yet to respond to the strike. Meanwhile, the ongoing tensions between autorickshaw drivers and police continue to impact everyday life in Ahmedabad. With public transport in jeopardy, the situation remains critical as the unions demand a fairer approach to enforcement and regulation.
