Pune Auto and Cab Unions Announce Protests Against Rapido Bike Taxis on October 28 and November 2; Commuters May Face Disruption
Pune's autorickshaw and cab unions have announced protests against Rapido's bike-taxi service on October 28 and November 2. Rickshaw Panchayat will hold the first agitation, while Baghtoy Rikshawala and the Indian Gig Workers' Front will demonstrate outside the Pune Collectorate. The protests follow an FIR against Rapido and warnings from transport authorities over alleged operations without the required licence.
Pune, October 27, 2026: Autorickshaw and cab unions in Pune have announced two separate protests against Rapido's bike-taxi operations, scheduled for October 28 and November 2. The unions allege that the service continues to appear on the company's application despite directions from transport authorities to suspend operations.
Union representatives have warned of intensified agitation if the bike-taxi service is not discontinued, raising concerns about possible disruption to public transport services in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.
Rickshaw Panchayat to Protest on October 28
Rickshaw Panchayat, one of Pune's major autorickshaw unions, has announced a protest for Wednesday, October 28.
Meanwhile, Baghtoy Rikshawala and the Indian Gig Workers' Front will organise a separate demonstration outside the Pune Collectorate on November 2.
Keshav Kshirsagar, president of Baghtoy Rikshawala and the Indian Gig Workers' Front, said union representatives met Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials on Monday but were dissatisfied with the responses they received.
According to Kshirsagar, autorickshaw drivers and cab operators from Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad are expected to participate in the November 2 demonstration.
Rapido Faces FIR and Regulatory Action
The protests follow regulatory action against Rapido's bike-taxi service in Pune.
Earlier in October, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) reportedly instructed the company to stop operating its bike-taxi service until it obtained the necessary permissions.
Authorities also warned of action under the Motor Vehicles Act if operations continued without the required licence.
An FIR was registered against Rapido on October 26.
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar stated that requests had been sent to Google and Apple seeking action concerning the availability of the bike-taxi service through their app platforms.
Pune RTO Advises Citizens Against Using Bike Taxis
Pune Regional Transport Officer Archana Gaikwad has advised commuters not to use Rapido's bike-taxi service.
She also cautioned two-wheeler owners against registering their vehicles on the platform, stating that the company does not possess the aggregator licence required to operate bike taxis in Pune district.
With protests planned on two separate dates, commuters who depend on autorickshaws and cabs may face inconvenience if drivers participate in large numbers.
However, the extent of any transport disruption will depend on participation in the demonstrations.