Delhi-NCR Transport Strike: Taxi, Truck and Commercial Vehicle Unions Shut Down

Transport and taxi unions launched a three-day strike across Delhi-NCR on Thursday, disrupting daily commuters across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and surrounding areas resulting in a reduction in taxis, autos and commercial vehicles (CVs) on the roads. The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), which represents truckers, private buses, taxi and maxi cab operators, resolved to call the strike at a meeting held on Tuesday, May 19. 

The shutdown is set to continue through May 23.

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The primary trigger is the Delhi government's move to raise the environment compensation cess levied on commercial vehicles. In a statement, AIMTC said the action targets what it described as "unjust and unfair policies imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), courts and the Delhi government on the transport sector."

Anuj Kumar Rathore, vice-president of the Chaalak Shakti Union, was quoted as saying by news agency PTI that due to the continuously increasing prices of CNG, petrol and diesel, middle-class drivers are struggling to support their families.

Commercial vehicle drivers' unions in the capital have also joined the protest, adding a separate demand, a revision of taxi and auto fares to keep pace with rising fuel costs.

"Therefore, in coordination with other organisations of Delhi, the 'Chaalak Shakti Union' has called for a 'chakka jam' and appealed not to operate vehicles on May 21, 22 and 23," he said.

The drivers' body also took aim at app-based cab aggregators, alleging that their opaque practices have deepened the financial hardship faced by drivers in the region.

However, not all unions are aligned with the agitation. Six auto rickshaw unions have formally dissociated themselves from the strike.