Gurugram — Drivers working for ride-hailing platforms like Uber and Ola staged a protest in Gurugram today, calling for enhanced safety measures and mandatory passenger verification. The strike, initiated on Monday, has led to significant disruptions across the city’s transportation network, affecting thousands of commuters.
Drivers gathered outside Sector 46 on Saturday to voice their concerns, citing multiple incidents of assaults, threats, and intimidation. They pointed to the tragic murder of 25-year-old driver Suraj Singh in January 2026, who was allegedly strangled by passengers during a robbery attempt in Sector 37C, as a stark example of the dangers they face.
Led by driver unions and supported by a large section of the gig workforce, the protest has resulted in longer wait times and reduced availability of cabs. Commuters are experiencing delays of 10 to 15 minutes for bookings, a sharp increase from the usual 1-2 minutes, with many reports of cancellations in key areas such as Sector 46, DLF Phase, and Sohna Road.
Key Demands and Reasons Behind the Strike
- Enhanced Passenger Verification: Drivers are demanding that ride-hailing companies implement mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, requiring passengers to verify their identity using Aadhaar or other valid IDs. They argue this will help prevent assaults, threats, and harassment.
- Addressing Anonymity of Riders: Despite undergoing background checks, drivers contend that the anonymity of passengers—who often use fake profiles or unverified contact details—exposes them to risks, especially during late-night trips or in isolated areas.
- Ineffective Safety Features: Many drivers have expressed dissatisfaction with existing safety tools such as SOS buttons, claiming they often fail to activate or provide timely assistance in emergencies.
- Lack of Grievance Mechanisms: The absence of a dedicated system to report rider misconduct or harassment has left drivers feeling unprotected and without recourse.
- Economic Concerns: Some protesting groups have also raised issues about rising operational costs and falling earnings, demanding a minimum base fare to ensure fair compensation.
The protest has caused widespread service disruptions across Gurugram, impacting daily commuters and highlighting the urgent need for improved safety protocols within the gig economy.
