Bhopal: A citywide taxi strike that began at midnight Tuesday brought app-based cab services in Bhopal to a near standstill Wednesday, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and snarling travel across the city.Protestors claimed around 3,500 taxis joined the walkout to press a set of demands including a government-fixed fare structure to offset rising operating costs such as fuel, maintenance and insurance. Union leaders rejected earlier proposals for only modest fare hikes and demanded a fundamental overhaul of the fare regime to ensure the long-term viability of licensed taxi operations.Drivers also accused ride-hailing aggregators of operating without adequate regulation and called for stronger enforcement to prevent what they described as arbitrary practices that disadvantage traditional taxis. In addition, unions sought a ban on the commercial use of privately registered cars, motorcycles and e-rickshaws, arguing these vehicles undercut licensed operators and distort the market.The strike’s impact was immediate and visible at major transit points. At Bhopal railway station arriving passengers found empty cab ranks and surged toward auto-rickshaw queues, producing long lines and chaotic scenes as families with luggage, office commuters and elderly travellers jostled for limited seats. “It was chaos the minute the trains arrived,” said Arti Sharma, who was travelling with two children. “There were no cabs; we had to split up and take two autos.”Commuters reported missed meetings and added expense. Ramesh Gupta, an IT professional, said he missed a 10 am meeting after several app bookings showed no available cars. “The autos charged extra because of the demand. It’s unacceptable,” he said. Elderly passengers and those with disabilities faced particular hardship; Anjali Verma said she waited more than 30 minutes trying to find transport for her 72-year-old mother before securing a private car.Auto-rickshaw drivers reported a surge in business but long queues and disputes over fares. “We are doing what we can but there are only so many autos,” said Ramesh Kumar, an auto driver near the railway station. “People are tense and tempers flare.”Transport department officials said talks were ongoing; union representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Commuters called the strike a wake-up call for stronger, more reliable public transport to prevent similar disruptions in future.
