Bengaluru Uber Drivers Protest, Alleging Unfair Practices and Declining Earnings
Hundreds of cab drivers gathered outside Uber’s driver support centre in Bommanahalli, Bengaluru, to protest what they described as unfair business practices. Organised by members of the Bharath Transportation Group, the demonstration accused Uber of prioritising fleet-attached vehicles run by third-party operators over independent owner-drivers, leading to a steep fall in earnings for the latter. Drivers also alleged that local drivers were being sidelined, with some claiming their app profiles were blocked while new drivers from outside Karnataka were being added.
The situation intensified when a section of protesters attempted to enter the premises, prompting police to intervene with a lathi-charge and detain several individuals. Many drivers said they had invested significant amounts to buy vehicles but were now struggling to meet EMIs due to declining trip allocations. Protesters further accused Uber of violating the state’s “One City, One Fare” rule by allowing variable pricing without offering fair compensation to drivers.
