Truckers, taxi, and bus operators across the country have begun a nationwide strike to protest against a new law called Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The law includes a penalty of ₹7 lakh and a 10-year jail term for hit-and-run cases.
The All India Motor Transport Congress argues that these rules, which are not yet in effect, could cause unnecessary trouble and should be withdrawn.
On Monday, more than 70% of the around 1.20 lakh trucks, tempos, and containers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) didn’t operate. This three-day strike is expected to affect the distribution of fuel and could lead to shortages in fruits and vegetables in the upcoming days.
Strike in Mumbai and Other State
In the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), there are about 1.50 lakh drivers of trucks, tempos, and other heavy vehicles. The All India Motor Transport Congress states that 35% of these vehicles transport essential goods, including petrol and LPG. According to the truckers’ body, a one-day strike in MMR alone could result in losses of ₹120-150 crore.
Outside MMR, the impact of the strike on the first day was mainly felt in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar. Cities like Indore in Madhya Pradesh, Surat in Gujarat, and Ambala in Haryana experienced widespread protests by drivers. In Punjab, approximately 7 lakh trucks went off the road.
Madhya Pradesh is Facing More Problem Due To Strike
In Madhya Pradesh, around 10,000 private buses, trucks, and taxis didn’t operate on Monday, causing a significant impact on public transport.
In various districts like Indore, Balaghat, Ujjain, Ratlam, and Bhopal, there were long lines of vehicles at fuel stations as supplies dwindled in the afternoon. In Dhar, truck drivers blocked the Mumbai-Agra highway, preventing private vehicles from proceeding, and in Panna, bus and truck drivers obstructed National Highway-39.
Is There Will be Shortage Of Fuel Due To Strike?
JP Aggarwal, the president of Ludhiana Goods Transport Association, cautioned that if the strike continued for another day, there could be a shortage of fuel. He also mentioned that the supply of vegetables, fruits, and other essentials might be affected in the coming days.
On the first day of the strike, the direct consequences might not have been completely noticeable, but petrol and diesel pump owners in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) are warning that if the strike persists for the next two days, motorists might experience shortages.
Chetan Modi from the All India Petrol Pump Owners Association mentioned that major dealers and petrol pump owners have reserves for 3-4 days. However, if the strike extends into Tuesday, the availability of petrol and diesel could be affected at around 50-60% of the fuel stations.
Strike of Truck and Bus Drivers Leading to Violence on the Road
Apart from truckers not working, there were some incidents of violence and roadblocks in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) on Monday. Approximately 500 transport drivers unexpectedly blocked the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway (NH48) near Chinchoti, causing a major traffic jam that lasted over four hours.
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At Naigaon, where the police were trying to restore order, they were attacked with stones. Traffic jams were also reported in Kalamboli on the Sion-Panvel highway, as well as at Uran and Ulwe leading to JNPT, where protesting drivers allegedly threatened motorists not to proceed. Some videos were circulated by drivers warning others not to go to Ulwe as private vehicles were being attacked.
Also Read: WHAT ARE THE REASONS WHY BUSES AND LOCAL TRANSPORT DRIVERS ARE ON STRIKE IN MADHYA PRADESH?
