It has been six years since ride-hailing firms appeared here. For many people, flagging down a cab on the road has, as a result, become as unthinkable as fishing out the exact change from their pocket to pay for bus fare.

With a few taps on the phone, their ride is secured and they can wait, sometimes in air-conditioned comfort, for it to arrive at their doorstep. No walking, no sticking out your arm, no aggravation when empty cabs pass you by without stopping.