Thousands of app-based drivers and delivery partners in Hyderabad are expected to take part in a statewide strike on Tuesday as taxi services, food delivery, and other platform-based services come under threat.
The protest has been put in place by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers' Union and other labour organisations calling for better pay, a decent working environment, and social security benefits for gig workers.
The strike may affect services offered by the major ride-hailing and delivery services, such as Ola, Uber, Rapido, Swiggy, Zomato, Porter, and other app-based services. While these companies have not officially suspended services, customers might see fewer drivers, longer waiting times, ride cancellations, and food and grocery delivery delays all day.
The protest is in response to decreasing earnings despite rising operational costs such as fuel prices, vehicle maintenance, and platform commissions, the workers’ union argues. In recent years, incentives have changed drastically for drivers and delivery partners, it’s argued, and that take-home income for them has taken a hit.
The key demands are an increase in base fares, lower commission charges by app aggregators, transparent pricing policies, accident and health insurance, pension benefits, and official recognition of gig workers under labour welfare schemes.
Union representatives also want the Telangana government to introduce policies that protect the rights of platform workers and regulate digital aggregator companies more effectively.
For Hyderabad residents, the strike could create some difficulty in the afternoon during peak commuting hours.
Office-goers, students, airport passengers, and those using app-based taxis and bike taxis will have to adjust their travel plans. Public transport services, including TSRTC buses and the Hyderabad Metro, would continue to work normally and may see more passengers as commuters look for alternative means of transportation.
#WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana: Gig and platform workers announce statewide strike call.
— ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2026
Founder President, Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, Shaik Salauddin, says, “We are going on a strike on July 22…as part of this, we have some major demands for the platform… pic.twitter.com/0seT2W41B2
Food delivery services could also be affected, especially during lunch and dinner hours when demand is usually high. App-based delivery of meals, groceries, medicines, or parcels should be prepared for delivery delays or limited supply.
Though app-based platforms have created employment opportunities for gig workers, it has also become clear that the money they have earned has been decreasing over time. In the gig economy’s expanding world, workers have been calling for better labour protections, minimum wage, and welfare measures.
Union leaders have warned that if their demands are not met, they will escalate their demonstrations in the coming weeks. And the continuing movement will only increase the pressure on India’s gig economy and how to balance technological innovation with worker welfare.
Residents are advised to plan for their travels in advance, make sure to take a few minutes to commute, and expect delays in app-based transportation and delivery services until normal operations resume.
