‘My commute was longer, costlier & more exhausting’
Times of India | 28 July 2026
Kolkata’s app-cab reliance came under strain on Monday, as roughly 7,000 cabs and thousands of bikes stayed parked for 12 hours, demanding a fare hike. For commuters who’ve ditched buses, autos and yellow taxis for the tap-and-ride convenience, the shutdown was a rude reminder of how deep that dependency runs.
Why’s the strike happening
CITU-affiliated app cab and bike operators called for the 12-hour strike demanding fare revisions. The union is seeking annual fare rationalisation under aggregation rules, proposing ₹25/km for non-AC cabs, ₹30/km for AC cabs and ₹12/km for app bikes, along with a higher driver share. It also called for stricter regulation of app bikes, relief from alleged harassment by authorities, and improved CNG access. The strike disrupted sections of Kolkata’s commute on Monday, as thousands of vehicles stayed off the
roads. While officials said only 15–20% of cabs were affected, commuters
reported inconvenience and instances of inflated fares by non-app taxis.
This strike made me understand how dependent we have become on these services, especially for last-mile connectivity. They’re no longer
a luxury but an essential part of our daily commute
– Utsav Banerjee, marketing professional who commutes from Bansdroni to BBD Bag for work
‘The strike turned Monday commute into an ordeal’
‘Didn’t realise how dependent I am on app cabs until the strike’
Commuters across Kolkata highlighted how app-based cabs have become integral to daily travel. Several said the strike exposed the limitations of public transport, especially for those living far from transit points. The disruption forced many to rethink routes and rely on overcrowded alternatives, underlining the shift of app cabs from convenience to necessity. “I rely on app cabs because they’re the most reliable way to travel… today’s strike has made getting around much more difficult and time-consuming,” shared Kounissa Basu Ray, a financial analyst who travels to Salt Lake for work.
‘The strike made commuting stressful’
Many commuters were forced to jump modes of transit, affecting both comfort and punctuality. Professionals dependent on timely travel said the disruption impacted productivity and daily schedules. “As someone who is in field sales, I often have to travel long distances within a short time, and app-based cabs are the most reliable way to do that. Today’s strike has made commuting much more stressful, with limited or overcrowded transport
options and uncertainty over reaching my destinations on time,” shared
Rashmi Paul, a sales professional who lives in Beleghata and travels to south Kolkata for work.
My commute took much longer today, with multiple switches between autos and public transport. The staggered journey was exhausting, more time-consuming, and slightly costlier than usual
– Shirsha Bose, HR manager at a firm and a resident of Behala who travels to Park Street for work