Ola, Uber taxi drivers go on strike from today in Delhi-NCR

New Delhi : Cab aggregator services Ola and Uber have gone on strike from today, demanding extension of the moratorium on loan repayment and a hike in fare in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Nearly 2 lakh drivers have gone off roads as the government did not pay attention to their calls, said Kamaljeet Singh Gill, the president of Sarvodaya Drivers Association of Delhi.

"Due to the acute financial crisis caused by lockdown, drivers are unable to pay their EMIs. The moratorium of loan repayment ended today and the banks are already putting pressure on us. Drivers are scared that banks will tow away their vehicles for not paying EMIs," Gill said.

The cab drivers have also demanded a hike in the fare and reduction in the commission charged by Ola and Uber for their services.

The strike will majorly impact the daily commuters as metro services have not been resumed and buses are running with limited passenger capacity.

"Most of the drivers are finding it difficult to feed their families at this time and have no means to fulfil their financial obligations. Unless the government helps us, there is no way we can work without fear of losing our vehicles," Gill said.

The drivers have also demanded the withdrawal of "heavy penalties" against them for speed limit violations.