Delhi Braces for Commuter Chaos as Auto, Taxi Unions Announce Three-Day Strike From May 21
New Delhi: Daily commuting in the national capital is set to face a major hurdle later this week, as commercial vehicle drivers’ unions in Delhi have called for a strike over a period of three days from May 21 to May 23. The sudden strike call is essentially a reaction to escalating operating costs, and the tardiness on the part of the government to revise fares accordingly. This agitation is being organized by the Chaalak Shakti Union in tandem with the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC).
Union representatives have made it clear in a memorandum issued to Delhi authorities that rising prices of petrol, diesel, and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) have resulted in a sharp fall in earnings for drivers of auto-rickshaws and taxis. Middle-class drivers are now struggling hard to earn their living and take care of their families due to their precarious economic situation. “The fare system in city taxis has not been revised for almost 15 years, although the price of fuel has risen tremendously in this period,” said Anuj Kumar Rathore, vice-president of the Chaalak Shakti Union.
After the latest hike, Petrol prices in Delhi rose to Rs 98.64 per litre from Rs 97.77 earlier, while diesel rates increased to Rs 91.58 per litre from Rs 90.67. The spike has significantly impacted public transport users and transport owners earning solely on transport.
According to experts, the hike in turn may push up the prices of other essential goods as well. Experts say that if crude oil prices continue to rise in the international market, petrol and diesel could become even more expensive in the coming days, raising concerns about higher inflation.
The organizations of drivers have been demanding that the government should give an official notice to increase fares right away. In addition to the cost of fuel, the unions have also been demanding the imposition of strict measures to put an end to what they consider as ‘economic exploitation’ of drivers by corporate apps of cab aggregators.
The strike that is due to take place is expected to adversely affect the availability of public transport in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, and nearby NCR cities. It has been suggested that commuters may use other transportation modes or depend upon the Delhi Metro services extensively during the strike period. The union leaders have stated that if the authorities do not respond in the coming two weeks, the agitation will turn into a bigger one.
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