Cab drivers in Gurugram went on strike demanding mandatory customer KYC, citing safety concerns and lack of grievance redressal, causing travel disruptions.
Photo : PTI
A group of app-based cab drivers in Gurugram went on strike on Monday (March 23), demanding mandatory KYC verification for customers, citing rising safety concerns and lack of accountability for passengers. Earlier on Saturday, drivers gathered in Sector 46 to press for compulsory KYC for passengers, arguing that while drivers undergo strict verification, customers are not subjected to similar checks. They said unverified passengers pose serious safety risks, including cases of assault and threats during rides. “What about our safety? We also need protection from fake passengers,” a driver said as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Reasons Behind Cab Drivers’ Strike
1. Mandatory Customer KYC
The primary demand of drivers is compulsory KYC verification for all passengers booking rides through apps. They want Aadhaar or other valid ID verification, alleging that criminals often use fake IDs to book cabs and then target drivers in isolated areas.
The issue has intensified after the January 2026 murder of a 25-year-old cab driver, Suraj Singh, in Gurugram’s Sector 37C. He was allegedly strangled by passengers, triggering fear and anger among drivers and prompting them to protest for better safety.
3. Ineffective Emergency Response Systems
Drivers claim that in-app safety features like SOS or panic buttons do not function effectively. In emergency situations, they say neither the companies nor the police respond in time, leaving them vulnerable.
4. Falling Earnings and Rising Costs
Apart from safety, drivers are also struggling with declining earnings and rising expenses such as fuel and maintenance. They are demanding a minimum base fare under the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025 to ensure financial stability.
