Ola, Uber strike set to bring biz back to Mumbai's kaali peeli cabs

The indefinite nationwide strike announced by a majority of Uber and Ola cab drivers, which begins on March 19 and is led by Maharashtra Navnirman Vahatuk Sena, will bring business back to the city's kaali peeli cabs and auto rickshaws. The number of cab aggregators, registered as tourist cabs, have gone up in the past few years bringing the number of kaali peeli cabs on the roads down to 29,000 from the 55,343 cabs registered in four RTOs.

Sources from the RTO said that the cab aggregators have challenged the BC Khatua Committee report in court. "These aggregators do not fall under any rules so we actually cannot take action," said an official from RTO.

A spokesperson from Ola said, "The Mumbai Police has informed us on the necessary steps they have taken to ensure the safety of commuters during their cab rides in the city." However, the company had no comment when asked about the issues raised by the drivers. Similarly, Uber said that they will not respond to speculative strike calls.

The state's Principal Secretary for Transport, Manoj Saunik, who also holds the charge of Transport Commissioner, and Satish Sahastrabudhe, Additional Transport Commissioner did not respond to queries from DNA.