Bhubaneswar cab, bike strike turns violent; police detain over 30

An ongoing strike by app-based cab drivers and bike riders in Bhubaneswar turned violent on Wednesday, with police reporting that protesters threw stones at personnel and vandalised government-run Ama buses at PMG Square.

The strike, which began on August 17, is in support of a seven-point charter of demands that includes a fare hike, reduction in application fees, and social security benefits for drivers registered with online ride-hailing platforms. The demonstrators also seek better working conditions and a say in the policies of these private companies.

Hundreds of taxis and bikes took part in a rally from Raj Mahal Square and parked vehicles along Mahatma Gandhi Marg, blocking the road and disrupting traffic in the Master Canteen and railway station areas. When police attempted to persuade the protesters to clear the road, the situation escalated, with stones allegedly being hurled at the force, according to a police officer.

Several Ama city buses were vandalised during the protest. Some police personnel sustained injuries in the confrontation, while multiple protesters were detained and vehicles seized, the officer said. The police resorted to a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd, as seen in video footage from the spot.

Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police Jagmohan Meena said the police had permitted a one-day demonstration on August 17, but the agitation continued beyond that. "They blocked the major city road, causing inconvenience to the public," Meena said. "It is a completely illegal protest. We have detained more than 30 people. The vehicles parked on the road will also be seized, and legal action will be taken against them."

Describing the demands as "illogical", the DCP noted that the protest was directed at private companies. "The government has no role to play," he said. He added that the situation has since returned to normal and vehicular movement has resumed.

The strike has caused significant hardship for daily commuters, as a large number of cabs, bikes, and auto-rickshaws remain off the roads. App-based transport services have become a vital part of urban mobility in Bhubaneswar, and the sudden disruption left many passengers stranded at key locations such as railway stations and bus stops.

This protest is part of a broader pattern in India, where gig workers in the transportation sector have been demanding better earnings, social security, and fair treatment from platform companies. Similar demonstrations have been held in other cities, highlighting the growing assertiveness of drivers who work for apps but often lack traditional employee protections.

The police action underscores the delicate balance between the right to peaceful protest and the need to maintain public order. While the companies have not yet responded publicly, the incident raises questions about the regulation of the gig economy and the accountability of private aggregators in ensuring fair conditions for their workers.