Rajkot: Around 500 auto-rickshaw drivers associated with the ride-hailing platform Rapido staged a protest rally in Rajkot on Tuesday against a reduction in per-kilometre fares.

A large number of drivers gathered at Shastri Maidan, alleging financial exploitation by the app-based company and difficulties in securing passengers. The protest follows a reported fare cut from ₹15 per kilometre to ₹12 without prior notice.

Drivers said the ₹3 per kilometre reduction has significantly impacted their earnings, resulting in losses of nearly ₹300 per day and up to ₹9,000 per month.

According to the rickshaw drivers’ association, more than 500 drivers participated in the rally, which commenced at Shastri Maidan. The protesters demanded immediate restoration of the previous fare structure.

The association warned that if fares are not revised, drivers will stop operating on the platform and boycott the application in Rajkot. They added that reduced fares, combined with rising fuel prices and inflation, have made it increasingly difficult to sustain their livelihoods.

Speaking to the media, Ketanbhai, associated with the Rapido Drivers’ Union, said, “We have only one demand — fair compensation for our work. Rapido has reduced the fare from ₹15 per kilometre to ₹12 per kilometre. This ₹3 cut is not sustainable. If a driver operates around 100 kilometres a day, it results in a loss of ₹300, which is enough to run a household for a day.”

“Our demand is simple. Even if not aligned with government rates, at least restore the previous fare of ₹15 per kilometre. If this is not implemented, we will completely shut down Rapido services in Rajkot,” he added.

Another driver said, “If a driver runs 100 kilometres daily, the monthly loss is about ₹9,000 and the yearly loss reaches ₹1.08 lakh. Many drivers operate rented rickshaws, pay house rent, and manage rising expenses. It has become extremely difficult to survive under these conditions.”

Drivers reiterated that if their demands are not met, they will boycott the application and cease operations with the company entirely. DeshGujarat