Pune: Autorickshaw and cab unions have called for protests on Oct 28 and Nov 2 against Rapido’s bike-taxi operations, questioning why the service remained on the app despite shutdown orders. Union leaders on Monday warned they would intensify the agitation if the option on the app was not removed.Rickshaw Panchayat, Pune’s largest autorickshaw union, will stage a protest on Oct 28, while Baghtoy Rikshawala union and Indian Gig Workers’ Front have called for a demonstration outside Pune collectorate on Nov 2. “We met RTO officials on Monday, but did not get proper answers. A large number of autorickshaw drivers and cab operators from Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad will participate in the Nov 2 protest, likely impacting commuter services,” Keshav Kshirsagar, president of Baghtoy Rikshawala and Indian Gig Workers’ Front, said.Shafiq Patel, president of Azad Rickshaw Chalak Sanghatna, said, “RTO officials claim they have done everything possible, but bike taxis continue to operate. If the service remains active, we will escalate our agitation.”The protests come amid a widening crackdown on Rapido’s bike-taxi operations. Earlier this month, the regional transport authority (RTA) had warned of strict action if the firm continued operating without the required permissions. Pune RTO subsequently registered an FIR against Rapido on Oct 26.Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said requests had been sent to Google and Apple seeking the removal of the bike-taxi service from app platforms.On Monday, Pune regional transport officer Archana Gaikwad urged citizens not to opt for Rapido’s bike-taxi service, cautioning two-wheeler owners against registering their vehicles on the platform. She reiterated that the firm did not possess the aggregator licence required to operate bike taxis in Pune district.The RTA has directed Rapido to suspend operations until it secured the necessary licence, warning that riders found operating bike taxis illegally could face action under the Motor Vehicles Act.
