Three-day transport strike begins in Delhi

Transport and taxi unions in Delhi-NCR began a three-day strike to protest against a city government cess and rising CNG prices, causing difficulties for commuters.

Transport and taxi unions began a three-day strike in the Delhi-NCR on Thursday to protest against a city government cess and rising CNG prices.

The strike call was given by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), the apex body of truckers, private buses, taxi and maxi cab operators, on Tuesday.

The three-day strike till May 23 is primarily against the Delhi government's decision to hike the environment compensation cess on commercial vehicles.

Trucks were parked in industrial areas like Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar as part of the protest.

Commuters faced difficulties at some of the busiest places in the national capital, including the New Delhi Railway Station, Anand Vihar and Mandi House.

According to a statement issued by the union, the strike opposes the ''unjust and unfair policies imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), courts and the Delhi government on the transport sector''.

Commercial vehicle drivers' unions in Delhi have also extended support to the strike, demanding a hike in taxi and auto fares in view of the increasing fuel prices.

Anuj Kumar Rathore, vice-president of the Chaalak Shakti Union, said that due to the continuously increasing prices of CNG, petrol and diesel, middle-class drivers are struggling to support their families.

''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.

However, six auto rickshaw unions have distanced themselves from the strike.