Commuters in Gurugram faced major inconvenience today as cab drivers launched a strike, impacting daily travel across several sectors. Ride bookings took longer than usual, with many passengers reporting delays of 10–15 minutes or more, especially during peak hours.
Residents relying on app-based cab services for metro connectivity and office commutes were among the worst affected.
Key Demand: Customer KYC for Safety
The primary reason behind the strike is a strong demand from drivers for mandatory customer KYC (Know Your Customer) verification.
Drivers argue that:
Fake or anonymous bookings put their lives at risk
Lack of passenger identity tracking makes it difficult to prevent crimes
Platforms must introduce stricter verification before allowing ride bookings
According to driver groups, implementing KYC will significantly reduce safety threats and bring accountability to passengers.
Rising Safety Concerns Trigger Protest
The protest has been fueled by recent incidents of violence against drivers. One such case involved a driver named Suraj, who was allegedly strangled by passengers after picking them up from Sector 37 earlier this year.
Such incidents have heightened fear among drivers, leading them to demand immediate action from both authorities and cab aggregators.
Impact on Daily Commuters
The strike has disrupted normal life in the city:
●Increased waiting time for cabs
●Surge in fares due to limited availability
●Heavy dependence on autos and public transport
Rishika Tiwari, a resident of Sector 38, shared that a ride that usually takes a minute to book took over 10–15 minutes, highlighting the scale of disruption.
What Drivers Are Saying
Driver unions have made it clear that safety is their top priority. They believe:
Without proper passenger verification, risks will continue
Cab platforms must take responsibility for driver protection
Government intervention may be required if demands are ignored
What Happens Next?
As of now, the strike has already affected services over the weekend and continues to impact commuters. If demands are not addressed soon, the protest may escalate further.
Authorities and cab companies are expected to hold discussions with driver representatives to find a solution.
