Ahmedabad Drivers Boycott Ola, Uber and Rapido as Bharat Taxi Protest Escalates
Ahmedabad taxi and autorickshaw drivers are boycotting Ola, Uber and Rapido over commissions and fares, directing passengers to Bharat Taxi amid canceled rides, fare hikes and reported fines.
The boycott has disrupted bookings across the city, with viral videos showing drivers halting cabs and attempting to persuade passengers using different tactics. Some videos show drivers offering free tea to passengers who agree to switch, while drivers who refuse have reportedly been fined Rs 1,000.
Passengers have reported canceled bookings and sharp fare differences during the disruption. In one instance, a fare that was Rs 335 reportedly rose to Rs 500, while passengers at the airport faced difficulties securing rides.
Ahmedabad commuters face cab woes as many drivers insist on only Bharat Taxihttps://t.co/XJf1FAWrUI ( in a viral video from Ahmedabad, anti-Ola-Uber-Rapido - pro-Bharat Taxi cab drivers gherao Uber-cab driver after stopping him) pic.twitter.com/ndcR5wkItI
— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) September 22, 2026
The developments have also triggered criticism from people who describe the drivers' actions as coercive and argue that they restrict passengers' freedom to choose their preferred taxi platform. Some critics have tagged police authorities on social media, seeking intervention over the reported enforcement of the boycott.
Drivers, however, have defended the protest, saying the action is intended to protect their earnings amid high commissions and low fares on app-based platforms.
The disruption comes as Navratri and Diwali approach, potentially increasing demand for taxis and autorickshaws. As of the latest update, there has been no official response to the reported boycott.

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