Uber cabs restart operations in 25 cities

• Ministry of Home Affairs has issued new guidelines for the lockdown extension.
• Online cab aggregators allowed to resume operating in limited capacity in Green and Orange zones.
• These services will be available between 7am and 7pm.

The nationwide lockdown has  been extended for the second time – now for two weeks, from May 4-18. However, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has released new guidelines that allow online cab aggregators like Uber to partially resume services in Green and Orange zones across the country.

As per the new order, a maximum of two passengers will be allowed in a cab, apart from the driver, and no passenger should sit next to the driver. The order also reiterates that movement of individuals not part of essential-services should be restricted from 7pm to 7am, hence the cabs will also not operate before 7am and after 7pm.

However, these services will not be allowed in Red and Containment zones. The government will also share updated zone ratings for each district with the concerned authorities on a weekly basis.

Additionally, this order also states that busses can start plying in Green zones at 50 percent seating capacity. Although, these busses can only operate within the specific district.

As of now, only Uber has confirmed it will restart services in select districts as per these guidelines. However, expect other online cab aggregators to announce resumption of services under these guidelines, soon.

Also see:

How coronavirus has hit the global auto industry: a timeline

‘Ola Emergency’ service launched in Bengaluru

Meru Cabs partners with Flipkart to deliver groceries and essentials