Mumbai Autorickshaw Drivers Launch Three-Day Strike Over Marathi Language Mandate

A section of autorickshaw drivers across Mumbai launched a three-day strike on Monday to protest against a government mandate requiring them to speak Marathi, causing significant disruptions for daily commuters and office goers in areas including Kandivli.

The protest began after authorities started serving formal notices to autorickshaw operators throughout the city, instructing them to comply with the Marathi language requirement. In response, a group of drivers decided to halt their services for three days to demand the immediate withdrawal of the rule.

The strike proceeded despite having no formal backing from major autorickshaw trade unions in the city. The sudden stoppage left many passengers stranded during their daily commutes, with people outside transit hubs like Kandivli station struggling to find available vehicles.

Several commuters took to social media platforms to report their difficulties, sharing that they were actively asked to deboard autorickshaws after boarding. Others posted video footage showing protesting drivers speaking out against the mandate and calling on the authorities to remove the language condition.

Transport services remained affected as office goers navigated the lack of regular three-wheeler connectivity across multiple parts of the city following the unbacked strike action.