In recent turns of events, commercial vehicle unions around Delhi NCR have announced a three-day strike from May 21 to May 23. This move will bring cabs, auto-rickshaws and other transport services to a halt across the city. Want to know more about it. Read on!
Delhi Auto-Bus To Go On Strike
As per a report by NDTV, more than 68 transport unions under the flag of the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) and the United Front of All Transport Associations (UFTA) are expected to be a part of the “chakka jam” protest.
The unions claim that rising fuel prices, unchanged fares and rising operational expenses have led drivers into severe financial distress. Talking to the portal, Chaalak Shakti Union vice-president Anuj Kumar Rathore told the portal that Taxi fares have not been raised for the last 15 years, while CNG prices have regularly risen. Despite repeated discussions, the government has not paid attention to us. Other drivers participating in the protest vented frustration over their living conditions. Another driver, Suraj, told the portal that in this inflation, it has become impossible to run a household. We do not want any child to become a driver in the future.
The unions, however, ensured that the protest would remain peaceful. A driver named Ashish talked about the same and said they will carry out the protest completely peacefully. The association hopes that around 4 lakh registered taxi drivers and owners will stand by the strike and refrain from taking rides during these days.
What Could Be Affected During The Strike?
On Monday, the All India Motor Transport Congress addressed a letter to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, outlining their demands. Among the major demands are an increase in taxi fares, cancellation of the Enhanced Congestion Charges (ECC), and reconsideration of restrictions on commercial vehicles. The unions also argued that while fuel prices have risen significantly over the years, taxi fares in Delhi-NCR have remained unchanged for nearly 15 years.
The unions have issued a warning that if the Delhi government does not issue a notice increasing taxi fares within the next two weeks, the protests will be intensified.
The strike is expected to affect the following vehicles:
- Less availability of app-based cab services such as Uber and Ola
- Fewer auto-rickshaw services
- Commercial taxi operations around Delhi-NCR
- Peak-hour transport connectivity
However, other important public transport services, like the Delhi Metro and DTC bus service, will be available.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons (Representative Image)
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FAQs
Why are bus drivers on strike?
The unions claim that rising fuel prices, unchanged fares and rising operational expenses have led drivers into severe financial distress.