By Tripura24.in Reporter
The transport landscape of Agartala faced a major disruption today as over 200 Uber bike riders announced an indefinite strike, effective Wednesday. Gathering near Heritage Park, the riders voiced their frustration over poor working conditions, lack of support from the local Uber office, and the hazardous state of city roads due to ongoing Smart City project works.
The protesting riders have declared that the service will remain suspended until the Uber Bike “Server Service” (App-based fee/system) issues are addressed and the company provides better local assistance.
Grievances: Dangerous Roads and Corporate Apathy
Speaking to the media near Heritage Park, the riders highlighted the severe challenges they face daily. The primary reasons for the strike include:
- Shoddy Road Conditions: Extensive excavation and unfinished drainage work under the Agartala Smart City project have made several major routes, including those in the Banamalipur and BK Road areas, almost unnavigable.
- Lack of Local Support: Riders alleged that the Uber office situated at BK Road, Banamalipur, has been unresponsive to their grievances. They claimed that despite the high risks and vehicle maintenance costs caused by bad roads, the company has offered no relief or assistance.
- Server Fee Disputes: The bikers are demanding a complete overhaul or temporary cancellation of certain server-related service charges that they feel are unfair given the current low-earning environment.
“No Support, No Service”
One of the protesting riders stated:
”We are risking our lives and our bikes to provide services on roads that are currently like death traps. Instead of supporting us, the office at Banamalipur is ignoring our calls and technical issues. We have no choice but to switch off our apps indefinitely until our demands are met.”
Impact on Commuters
The strike has hit commuters hard, especially students and office-goers who rely on the affordable bike-taxi service to navigate Agartala’s congested traffic. With over 200 riders going offline, the availability of Uber Moto has plummeted, leading to a surge in demand—and prices—for auto-rickshaws and traditional cabs.
Current Status
The riders have made it clear that they will not return to work unless a senior representative from the company provides a concrete solution to the “Server Service” dispute and the lack of operational support. As of Wednesday evening, the local Uber management has not issued an official statement regarding the strike.
