Jaipur: App-based cab services in Jaipur are facing disruptions as drivers operating under Ola, Uber and Rapido have gone on indefinite strike over the high cost of mandatory Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs). Commuters are left waiting for 15-20 minutes to book rides, even after paying an additional Rs 20-40 per trip, as the cabs’ availability on the platforms has declined.The Krantikari Taxi Drivers’ Union, which claims to represent around 30,000 cab drivers in Jaipur, alleges that lack of competition among authorised VLTD vendors in Rajasthan has led to significantly higher prices. Drivers claimed that devices available for Rs 5,000-7,000 in other states cost around Rs 25,000 in Rajasthan. They alleged that a single company has been given control over the sale and installation of the devices, leaving drivers with little choice.“Our main demand is that the govt reduce VLTDs’ prices which affect around 30,000 Jaipur cab drivers. Cars are not given fitness certificates without them either,” said association president Sanjay Singh.The requirement for VLTDs is aimed at enabling real-time vehicle tracking and improving passenger safety. In May 2026, Supreme Court directed states and Union Territories to ensure that covered public service vehicles are not granted fitness certificates or permits without verified installation of the devices.Drivers are not opposing the safety requirement but are demanding that the state intervene to bring down installation costs and increase the number of authorised vendors. Transport department officials refused to comment on the situation.
About The Author
