GUWAHATI: Local cab drivers are up in arms against corporate cab companies such as Ola and Uber. They called a 36 hour strike that will end at midnight (24 November).

The Sadou Guwahati Cab Malik/Chalak Santha has raised several demands including an immediate stop to induction of new cabs by Ola and Uber as well as procurement of vehicles of their own by these groups.

The Santha called for a 36-hour strike starting at 5 am on November 23 in view of several challenges that have emerged before its members in the recent days.

President of the Santha Ismail Ali alleged that the transport department  flouted all norms to promote the interests of the corporate class by inducting vehicles in large numbers from big business groups. “The authorities, instead of working in the interest of the big business groups, should ensure that the cab service is used for providing a livelihood opportunity to the educated unemployed of the State,” said Ali, insisting that the transport department streamline the cab service at the earliest.

Ali also said that huge induction of cabs has further compounded the traffic situation in the capital city. “Along with the transport department, the big business groups too are breaking the rules and increasing the number of cabs completely ignoring the road condition of Guwahati and the harassment faced by the commuters,” alleged Ali, regretting that though this issue has been brought to the notice of the Transport Minister, no step has been taken to address it.

The other demands of the Santha include setting up cab stands at the airport, railway station, bus stations and ISBT, increasing the rate of incentives and ensuring security to the cab owners and drivers.

Prepared by intern Deb Baruah

  Assam, development, Ola