Odisha Online Cab Drivers Announce 12‑Hour Bandh

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Online Drivers’ United Forum has announced a 12‑hour statewide bandh to protest against fare disputes with app‑based taxi companies.

Backed by 21 organisations, the strike is expected to disrupt services in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and other districts.

Drivers allege that online aggregators such as Ola, Uber, Rapido, and Odisha Yatiri impose unfair policies, including arbitrary account suspensions, fines, and discounts that reduce their earnings.

Their demands include stricter regulation of aggregators, waiting charges for delays, full cancellation fees for drivers, and mandatory physical offices for operators in Odisha.

The bandh aims to pressure both the state government and online taxi firms to address long‑standing grievances.

Commuters across urban centres are expected to face major inconvenience as thousands rely on app‑based cabs daily.