Maharashtra Truck Operators Escalate Strike Over E-Challan Dispute

Truck operators in Maharashtra escalate their indefinite strike against the e-challan system as government response remains absent. Despite support from bus operators, the strike aims to scrap outdated e-challans and halt coercive recovery measures. Continued disruption impacts transport in Mumbai and across the state.

The indefinite strike by truck operators in Maharashtra is set to intensify as additional associations join the protest against the e-challan system of fine recovery. Uday Barge, a leader of the transporters' action committee, confirmed the lack of government response to their demands as a catalyst for this escalation.

Truckers initiated the strike on Wednesday, demanding relief from the 'indiscriminate' issuance of e-challans by traffic police. Although bus operators have pledged support, they refrained from joining due to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's appeal.

The transporters' chief demands include scrapping months-old e-challans, halting coercive measures, and waiving existing fines. Despite discussions with officials and assurances of a review within a month by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, the central issue remains unresolved, leading to significant disruptions in Mumbai and Pune.

(With inputs from agencies.)