Chandigarh Cab Ban Triggers Monopoly Fears and Livelihood Crisis
Babushahi Network
Chandigarh, September 22, 2026: The Chandigarh Administration’s suspension of major private ride-hailing platforms—including Uber, Ola, inDrive, and Rapido—has left an estimated 100,000 daily commuters stranded with limited transit options and thousands of drivers facing immediate income loss.
The licenses were suspended over alleged non-compliance with the Chandigarh Motor Vehicles Aggregators Rules, 2025, which govern fares, driver training, and vehicle insurance. With only Bharat Taxi currently permitted to operate, the move has sparked growing concerns over market concentration and the emergence of a de facto monopoly.
Drivers, burdened by ongoing vehicle loans, fuel costs, and family expenses, have staged protests demanding an urgent revocation of the ban. Meanwhile, affected aggregators have approached the State Transport Authority, stating that the requisite compliance measures have been addressed. Both drivers and consumer advocates are calling on authorities to fast-track reviews, arguing that regulatory enforcement should foster a level playing field rather than eliminate competition.