Cab drivers’ protest enters fifth day, app-based taxi services disrupted - The HinduPublished - July 05, 2026 07:48 pm IST - VISAKHAPATNAMThe protest by drivers associated with app-based taxi aggregators entered its fifth day in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, disrupting services operated through Ola, Uber and Rapido in several parts of the city.Demanding a revision of fares in line with the increase in petrol, diesel and CNG prices, drivers staged a demonstration near the airport. They said repeated representations to the district administration and transport authorities have failed to yield a response, prompting them to intensify their agitation.The protesters raised slogans demanding higher fares, withdrawal of double and triple ride allocations, and a 50% surcharge on night trips. The protest affected cab services in areas such as Pendurthi, PM Palem, Gajuwaka and Kurmannapalem, causing inconvenience to commuters.Addressing the gathering, CITU Cab Union general secretary Poli Naidu said between 4,000 and 5,000 drivers in Visakhapatnam depended on Ola, Uber and Rapido for their livelihood. Despite the steady increase in fuel prices, the companies had neither revised fares nor addressed the concerns of drivers, resulting in severe financial hardship, he alleged.The union urged the government and the ride-hailing companies to resolve the issues at the earliest. It warned that the agitation would be expanded up to the Bhogapuram airport corridor if the demands remained unaddressed. The drivers said they would continue their protest until a favourable decision was taken.Published - July 05, 2026 07:48 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }