17-05-2025
Taxi union appeals to CM to address drivers' woes
Nagpur: The
Vidarbha App-Based Taxi Union
(VABTU), representing thousands of
taxi drivers
in Nagpur, submitted a strong appeal to
CM Devendra Fadnavis
during his Janata Darbar held at Hyderabad House on Saturday. The union expressed deep frustration over the govt's failure to address their pressing concerns despite multiple petitions and personal representations.
In a letter addressed to the CM, VABTU president Deepak Sane lamented that their earlier submission on April 20, 2025, along with numerous follow-ups, went unanswered. "If the administration cannot respond to genuine grievances, what is the purpose of Janata Darbar?" he questioned.
The union criticised the govt for prioritising its own interests and issuing government resolutions (GRs) without resolving core issues faced by taxi drivers, many of whom invested heavily in their vehicles through loans.
They also condemned the recent approval to bike taxis, stating it does not address the livelihood concerns of traditional taxi drivers.
Further, VABTU demanded that cab aggregators like Ola, Uber, and Rapido be directed to comply with state regulations on taxi fares and ensure driver safety as per govt guidelines. Sane urged the CM to either take immediate corrective action or allow him to set own taxi ablaze outside the CM's residence as a form of protest.
The union's appeal highlights the growing unrest among taxi drivers struggling to sustain their livelihood amid competition from app-based bike taxis and the lack of govt support. Autorickshaw drivers too condemned the state govt for allowing app-based bike taxis, stating if started they would die of starvation.
