Some autorickshaw drivers protested on Kandivali Link Road over Maharashtra’s Marathi language requirement, causing traffic disruption. Major Mumbai unions said they had not called the shutdown and blamed rumours and social media messages. They urged drivers to continue services and sought more time from the government.

<img src="https://media.assettype.com/freepressjournal/2026-08-24/jwhz0alj/Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Queen-Of-All-Mayhem-2026-08-24T191313.244.jpg?width=1200" alt="Mumbai Marathi Row: No Union Behind Rickshaw-Taxi Protest; Rumours Trigger Shutdown In Kandivali

Some autorickshaw drivers block a road in Kandivali amid confusion over an alleged shutdown linked to the Marathi language requirement | AI Generated Image

Mumbai, August 24, 2026: A sudden protest by some non-Marathi-speaking autorickshaw drivers on Monday led to a road blockade on Kandivali Link Road, causing traffic congestion and inconvenience to commuters. Several autorickshaws were parked on the road, slowing traffic and resulting in long queues.

The protest was linked to opposition among some commercial drivers to the Maharashtra government's requirement that autorickshaw and taxi drivers have proficiency in Marathi.

Drivers have raised concerns over notices and possible action against those who do not meet the language requirement, particularly older drivers who may find it difficult to acquire proficiency immediately.

#AutoDriverProtest | Auto Drivers’ Protest Over Marathi Language Requirement Triggers Traffic Snarl On Kandivali Link Road



By: @ImAbhi5200 #Mumbai | #MumbaiNews | #Kandivali pic.twitter.com/n6GibDLoec

There were also allegations that some protesting drivers stopped autorickshaws carrying passengers and asked them to get down, further inconveniencing commuters.

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Unions Deny Calling Shutdown

However, major autorickshaw and taxi unions clarified that the shutdown was not officially called by any recognised union. Union representatives said misinformation and rumours circulating on social media appeared to have triggered the protest.

A Facebook message claiming that there would be a shutdown on August 24 was reportedly followed by several drivers in some areas. The protest appeared to be largely driver-led, with no recognised union taking responsibility for the call.

Union leaders said autorickshaw and taxi services continued to operate in most parts of Mumbai and its suburbs, although attempts were made to spread the protest to areas such as Kandivali and Malvani.

The unions have sought more time from the government to address concerns over the Marathi language requirement and urged drivers to continue providing services. They also appealed to commuters and drivers not to panic or believe unverified information.

Voices

Shashank Rao, President, Mumbai Autorickshaw-Taximen’s Union: The protest was not called by any recognised union. Fear of action and misinformation triggered it. The union has sought a three-month extension and requested the government not to take punitive action against drivers during this period.

K K Tiwari, Taxi Union President: The shutdown appeared to begin after a Facebook message claimed there would be a strike on August 24. Around 80% of auto and Ola-Uber drivers participated in some areas, but union leaders did not support the protest.

Tambi Kurian, General Secretary, Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union: No official strike or protest was called by the union. Drivers and commuters should not panic or believe unverified information.

Commuters' Voices

Suheil Merchant, Mumbai resident: “My wife’s autorickshaw was allegedly stopped during the protest and she was asked to get down. The driver later moved ahead after pretending to comply.”

Rohan Upadhyay: The sudden disruption created confusion and made it difficult for passengers to find autorickshaws. There was no clarity about whether the protest was official.

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Vinayak Kole: Passengers should not be forced to get down from vehicles in the middle of their journey. Such protests should not inconvenience ordinary commuters.

Moksh Taunk: The rumours created unnecessary panic. If there is an issue with the language requirement, unions and the government should resolve it through discussions rather than disrupting public transport.

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