25,000 Cabs Go Off Road at RGIA as Drivers Begin Boycott

Owing to the boycott call, as many as 25,000 cabs were off the road from the airport on Friday.

The decision follows repeated representations by TGPWU and Telangana App-Based Drivers Forum (TADF) regarding unfair airport fares and difficulties faced by app-based drivers. A joint meeting was held on August 31, 2026, at the office of the Joint Commissioner of Labour, Ranga Reddy Zone, Hyderabad, between the Founder President of TGPWU and TADF and the management representatives of Uber, Ola and Rapido regarding the non-implementation of G.O.Ms.No.46, dated December 9, 2022.

Following the meeting, the Joint Commissioner of Labour, Ranga Reddy Zone, through Lr.No.B2/4066374/2026, dated August 31, 2026, advised the management of Uber, Ola and Rapido to implement the fares prescribed under G.O.Ms.No.46 for prepaid motor cab hiring services at RGIA.

The Labour department communication clearly strengthens the drivers’ demand for implementation of the notified airport fares. As per the G.O.Ms.No.46, the cab drivers must get Rs.21 per km but they are now getting only Rs.12 to Rs.15, TGPWU Founder President Shaik Salauddin said.

He said the Labour department has already advised Ola, Uber and Rapido to implement the fares under G.O.Ms.No.46. After repeated representations and meetings, drivers cannot be expected to wait indefinitely for implementation.

“This is not a demand for special treatment. It is a demand for fairness, dignity, lawful fares and equal treatment for app-based drivers. Drivers are essential stakeholders in airport transportation and their concerns must be respected,” he added.

Salauddin said the increase in the free airport drop-off time from eight minutes to 10 to 15 minutes was causing several problems to drivers as a penalty of Rs.500 was imposed on the drivers for exceeding the time.

He demanded that the government convene a stakeholder meeting with TGPWU and provide a written resolution on all pending issues.