Chalak Shakti Union Vice President Anuj Kumar Rathore on Thursday, 21 May announced a three-day strike by auto-rickshaw, taxi, and app-based cab drivers in New Delhi, citing a 15-year freeze on fares even as CNG, petrol, and diesel prices have risen sharply. The union has urged all drivers to stop operations on 21, 22, and 23 May, and said the strike will be withdrawn the moment the government commits to a fare revision.

The Core Grievance: 15 Years Without a Fare Revision

Rathore pointed out that when the Delhi government framed its taxi policy for Delhi-NCR roughly 15 years ago, the metered fare was fixed at ₹12.5 per kilometre for approximately 70,000 registered vehicles. That rate, he said, has never been revised. 'The fare was fixed at ₹12.5 per kilometre. Even after 15 years, not a single revision has come through,' Rathore said. With fuel costs climbing steadily, drivers say the margin has become unviable, making it difficult to sustain their livelihoods.

Court Orders, Government Assurances — and No Action

The union's frustration is compounded by a series of unfulfilled official commitments. Rathore said he had filed a petition in the Delhi High Court, which ordered a fare revision. The Transport Commissioner subsequently called the union for a meeting and assured revision — but nothing materialised. A contempt of court plea followed, and the court again directed a fare revision, reportedly without result.

Most recently, Delhi Transport Department Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Ailawadi reportedly assured the union that auto and taxi fares would be revised by ₹20–25. Rathore said Ailawadi indicated the file had been sent to the Lieutenant Governor's office and that a notification would be issued once approval was received. A similar assurance was given for fixing fares of Ola, Uber, and other app-based services — but no notification has been issued so far.

Impact on Drivers and Commuters

Rathore argued that the fare stagnation is hurting both sides of the ride. 'The customer books a ride, but the driver cancels it due to the low fare,' he said. For app-based drivers, the situation is particularly acute: rising inflation combined with what he described as a 'monopoly' of aggregator platforms leaves drivers compelled to accept rides at rates they consider unsustainable.

The strike call covers auto-rickshaw drivers, traditional taxis, and Ola-Uber and other platform-based drivers. Rathore urged all of them to hold the line for the full three days. 'Give us three days; the government will definitely listen to us,' he said, adding that the strike would be called off as soon as a credible government assurance on fare revision is received.

Confusion Over Strike Status

Rathore also alleged that certain government-affiliated transport organisations had been spreading misinformation in Delhi, claiming the strike had already been called off. He dismissed these claims and urged drivers not to be misled. 'They are not bothered about the compulsions being faced by the drivers,' he said, reiterating his appeal to stay off the roads for the three-day duration.

With no formal government response yet and thousands of commuters facing disruption across Delhi-NCR, the next 72 hours will test whether the administration moves to break the deadlock or waits out the strike.