When Strikes Strike the Common Man: A Consultant’s Frustrating Day in Pune

 

When Strikes Strike the Common Man: A Consultant’s Frustrating Day in Pune

As a consultant, last-minute travel isn’t new. Recently, I had to fly to Delhi/Gurugram on short notice—resulting in a late-night, delayed flight, little to no sleep, and a hectic return journey the same night. I finally landed in Pune around 8:30 PM—exhausted but relieved. Until reality hit.

All taxi and auto drivers were on a sudden flash strike. And to my dismay, a rickshaw driver shamelessly quoted ₹1,700 for a 19 km ride. Exploiting the situation? Absolutely.

While the stated reason for the strike was rising fuel prices and regulatory gaps, the underlying story is deeper—and more troubling. For years, Pune commuters struggled with unprofessional behavior from traditional auto and taxi drivers: refusal to ply, meter tampering, inflated fares, and route manipulation. The advent of Ola, Uber, and more recently Rapido, was a relief for citizens—finally, professionalism, transparency, and choice.

But now, the same drivers want to leverage these platforms for business while refusing to pay platform commissions. They expect leads without understanding the backend costs of tech infrastructure, app maintenance, and GPS-based operations. Their solution? Strike.

And sadly, “might is right” still applies. Unions arm-twist platforms into agreements that defy logic: insisting on charging only by the meter, disregarding GPS routes, and undermining app-generated pricing. The result? The customer suffers. Again.

The Impact: Chaos for Commuters

• Exorbitant Fare Demands: Some passengers reported 2–4x hikes from desperate or opportunistic drivers.

• Transport Paralysis: Stranded travelers at airports and stations had no reliable options.

• Intimidation & Violence: Reports emerged of striking drivers harassing those who chose to work—and their passengers.

• Zero Accountability: Meter refusal, arbitrary charges, and detour threats became rampant.

A Larger Problem: Governance and Apathy

Public transport in Pune has always been a concern. BRTS corridors were built—and then razed—without a single bus ever running on some of them. Successive governments have ignored transport reforms. The latest strike exposed just how vulnerable the city’s mobility system is.

The RTO may have mandated driver uniforms and IDs, and yes, the Transport Department is talking to stakeholders. But without political will and real enforcement, little changes. “Please file a complaint” is cold comfort to a citizen stranded at night.

The Bottom Line: Who Will Stand for the Commuter?

We talk of becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy. But where is the dignity, safety, and convenience for the everyday Indian? Commuters have no voice. Strikes silence them. Governments placate unions. And people, too busy surviving, are left with no choice but to suffer.

We don't need more apps—we need accountability, smart public transport, and consumer-first thinking. Until then, common people will continue to be at the mercy of a passive government and emboldened unions.

Let’s stop normalizing exploitation and start demanding change.