In the wee hours of March 15, 2024, Pune Airport became the epicenter of chaos as a flurry of vehicles rushed to depart, creating a scene of disorder and confusion.
Dr. Keshav Kshirsagar, President of the Baghtoy Rickshawala Association, shed light on the root cause of the chaos, attributing it to recent actions taken by the Regional Transport Authority (RTO) Pune against cab operators associated with the Ola app. The RTO’s crackdown, characterized by hefty fines of up to Rs 18,000 on drivers, instilled fear and panic within the driver community.
Rumors of nocturnal patrols conducted by RTO personnel further fueled apprehension among cab drivers, triggering a frantic rush to vacate the airport premises. In a desperate bid to avoid potential fines, some drivers resorted to dropping off each other’s passengers, exacerbating the chaotic situation.
As chaos reigned supreme, passengers arriving on late-night flights found themselves stranded, grappling with the challenge of securing transportation amidst the turmoil. Attempts to reach out to Ola and Uber, whose offices were closed during the late hours, proved futile, compounding the inconvenience for travelers.
The recent rejection of aggregator licenses for Ola and Uber by the RTA has drawn criticism and raised questions from various unions. Many view the RTO’s actions as a symbolic gesture with limited practical impact, labeling them as a mere “Paper Exercise.”
