Ahmedabad Auto Rickshaw Strike 2026: Passengers Forced to Get Down as Some Autos Continue

Ahmedabad witnessed a major transport disruption on Monday, September 7, as rickshaw and taxi unions began a four-day strike against issues linked to app-based transport services such as Ola, Uber and Rapido. The Ahmedabad auto rickshaw strike 2026 has created difficulties for daily commuters, while the response to the shutdown remained mixed across different parts of the city.

According to reports, several rickshaws and taxis stayed off the roads as part of the “Rozgar Bachao” movement. However, some autorickshaws continued operating in different areas. This led to confrontations at some locations, where strike supporters reportedly stopped vehicles that were still carrying passengers.

In one reported incident, passengers were allegedly asked to get down from a moving rickshaw before reaching their destination. The incident has raised concerns about the difficulties faced by commuters during the ongoing protest.

Ahmedabad Auto Rickshaw Strike 2026 Begins Across the City

The Ahmedabad auto rickshaw strike 2026 began from midnight on September 7 and has been announced until September 10. Around a dozen driver and taxi unions are participating in the protest under the banner of the “Rozgar Bachao Andolan”.

The unions have raised concerns about earnings from online ride-hailing platforms, rising operating expenses and the continued use of private two-wheelers for passenger services through online applications. They are also demanding action against what they describe as unauthorised bike-taxi operations.

The unions had reportedly submitted a memorandum to the Transport Commissioner in Gandhinagar on August 27. After claiming that their concerns were not adequately addressed, they decided to proceed with the four-day shutdown.

Some Rickshaws Continue to Operate Despite the Strike

While unions called for a complete shutdown, the Ahmedabad auto rickshaw strike 2026 did not receive the same level of participation in every part of the city.

Reports from Monday indicated that several rickshaws and taxis were still operating in different areas. At Gota on SG Highway, for example, the response was reported to be relatively weak, with vehicles continuing to provide services.

This mixed response created a difficult situation. Drivers supporting the strike wanted other rickshaw operators to join the protest, while passengers who had already booked or boarded vehicles expected to complete their journeys.

The disagreement reportedly resulted in some vehicles being stopped on the road.

Passengers Reportedly Forced to Get Down Midway

One of the most significant developments during the Ahmedabad auto rickshaw strike 2026 was the reported disruption faced by passengers travelling in rickshaws that continued operating.

According to reports, union members stopped some rickshaws in areas including Ranip, ISKCON, Pakwan, Ahmedabad Airport and Kalupur. In some cases, passengers were reportedly asked to get down before reaching their destinations.

A separate report mentioned incidents near Ranip ST Bus Stand and Sabarmati Railway Station, where some strike supporters allegedly stopped rickshaws that had not joined the shutdown. Passengers were reportedly made to get down midway, leaving some commuters to continue their journey on foot with their luggage.

At Ranip bus station, another report said a confrontation occurred when a rickshaw driver allegedly used a stick while forcing passengers out of a vehicle. Police reportedly reached the location following the incident.

These incidents have added another layer to the ongoing transport dispute because commuters are being affected even when they manage to find an operating rickshaw.

Why Are Ahmedabad Rickshaw Drivers on Strike?

The Ahmedabad auto rickshaw strike 2026 is primarily connected to the concerns of traditional auto and taxi drivers regarding app-based transportation services.

Driver unions have raised several demands, including:

• Action against unauthorised bike-taxi services.
• Fair and regulated fares for passengers.
• Better earnings for drivers working through online platforms.
• Measures to address rising CNG and operating costs.
• Implementation of government-prescribed fare rules.
• Action against services that unions allege are operating outside existing transport regulations.

The unions have argued that online platforms are affecting the earnings of traditional rickshaw and taxi drivers. They have also raised concerns that the fares offered through some applications do not adequately compensate drivers after fuel, commission and other operating expenses are considered.

Ola, Uber and Rapido Become Major Points of Protest

A major part of the Ahmedabad auto rickshaw strike 2026 is the opposition to app-based mobility platforms, particularly Ola, Uber and Rapido.

Driver organisations have alleged that online platforms are putting pressure on traditional drivers by offering competitive fares while drivers continue to deal with increasing fuel and maintenance costs.

The unions have also objected to private two-wheelers being used to carry passengers through online applications. They have demanded stricter enforcement of transport rules concerning such services.

However, the issue is not only about technology. For commuters, online platforms have become an important alternative when traditional rickshaws are unavailable, especially during peak hours and during transport strikes.

Commuters Face Problems During the Strike

The Ahmedabad auto rickshaw strike 2026 has created uncertainty for thousands of commuters who normally depend on autos and taxis for short-distance travel.

Students, office workers, senior citizens and passengers travelling to railway stations or bus terminals may have to look for alternative transportation.

The situation has been particularly difficult in areas where fewer autos are available. Online cab services have continued to operate, but reports indicated that fares increased sharply during periods of high demand.

This creates a difficult choice for passengers: wait for public transport, pay higher prices for app-based services or try to find an available autorickshaw.

What Happened at Ranip?

Ranip became one of the locations where the Ahmedabad auto rickshaw strike 2026 reportedly turned tense.

According to reports, strike supporters attempted to stop rickshaws that were still operating. At least one reported incident involved passengers being asked to leave a vehicle before reaching their destination. Police were also called after a confrontation near the Ranip bus station.

For passengers, such incidents can be particularly difficult because they may have already paid for part of their journey and may be carrying luggage or travelling for work.

The reported incidents also highlight the difference between peacefully requesting drivers to join a strike and physically preventing a vehicle from continuing its journey.

Are School Rickshaws Included in the Strike?

There is an important exemption during the Ahmedabad auto rickshaw strike 2026.

According to reports, school vans and school rickshaws have been exempted from the strike on humanitarian grounds so that children’s transportation and education are not disrupted.

This means parents and students using regular school transportation are expected to continue receiving those services, subject to the arrangements of individual operators.

Emergency transportation has also been treated differently from regular passenger services, according to the unions’ appeal.

How Long Will the Ahmedabad Rickshaw Strike Continue?

The announced strike period is from September 7 to September 10, 2026.

The Ahmedabad auto rickshaw strike 2026 is therefore expected to remain an important issue for commuters throughout the week.

The unions have indicated that they want their demands addressed by the authorities. Reports have also mentioned the possibility of expanding the agitation if their demands are not resolved.

However, the actual impact may vary from one area to another because the first day itself saw a mixed response, with some rickshaws continuing to operate.

What Should Ahmedabad Commuters Do?

During the Ahmedabad auto rickshaw strike 2026, commuters should plan their journeys in advance, especially if they need to reach railway stations, bus stations, workplaces, colleges or airports.

Passengers can consider:

• Ahmedabad city buses and other public transport options.
• Metro services wherever the route is suitable.
• Carpooling with friends or colleagues.
• Booking app-based cabs where available.
• Leaving home earlier than usual.
• Checking the availability and fare before starting a journey.

Passengers should also avoid confrontations if they encounter a strike-related dispute and contact the authorities if they feel unsafe.

Strike Raises Bigger Questions About Ahmedabad’s Transport System

The Ahmedabad auto rickshaw strike 2026 is not only a dispute between drivers and online companies. It also highlights the larger challenge of balancing traditional transport services with rapidly growing app-based mobility.

Drivers want better earnings and stronger enforcement of transport regulations. Passengers, on the other hand, want affordable, reliable and uninterrupted transportation.

Finding a solution that addresses both sides will require clear fare rules, effective regulation of commercial passenger services and better implementation of existing transport regulations.

For now, Ahmedabad commuters remain caught between these competing demands.

Conclusion

The Ahmedabad auto rickshaw strike 2026 has caused significant disruption on the first day of the four-day protest. While many drivers joined the shutdown, some rickshaws continued operating, resulting in reported confrontations at several locations.

The reported cases of passengers being made to get down midway have added to commuter concerns. At the same time, drivers participating in the protest continue to press for better earnings, fair fares and action against unauthorised passenger services.

The strike is scheduled to continue until September 10, and its impact will depend on how strongly the shutdown is followed across Ahmedabad and whether authorities and driver organisations reach any understanding.

KhabarKhojo will continue to track the latest developments and commuter impact as the situation unfolds.

During the strike, commuters can consider Ahmedabad public transport and Ahmedabad Metro services as alternative travel options.

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