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Union Budget 2026: Uttarakhand taxi operators pin hopes on relief after monsoon losses

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After suffering huge losses during the 2025 monsoon disasters, taxi operators in Uttarakhand are looking to the Centre for immediate financial support with the Union Budget just a few days away.

Last year’s heavy rains triggered landslides and prolonged road closures across the hill state, bringing transport services to a standstill for several days. Taxi operators say the disruptions forced commercial vehicles off the roads, sharply impacting their daily earnings and pushing many families into financial distress.

Operators are now demanding special relief funds and targeted support packages to help them recover from the losses incurred during the disaster period.

Another key concern raised by traditional taxi operators in hilly regions is the rapid rise of private cars operating on ride-hailing platforms. Most local operators depend on larger vehicles suited for mountainous terrain and allege that app-based private cars are not subject to the same taxes and regulatory requirements.

They argue that this regulatory imbalance has placed registered taxi services at a disadvantage, further eroding their income at a time when the sector is already under strain.

Taxi drivers in Uttarakhand are hoping that the second full budget of the Modi government's third term, which will be presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, will include measures to support their livelihoods and help families who depend on the taxi industry.

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