Delhi-NCR Cab and Auto Strike: Over 68 Unions Join 3-Day 'Chakka Jam'
Delhi-NCR Cab and Auto Strike: Over 68 Unions Join 3-Day 'Chakka Jam'
Commuters in Delhi-NCR face major delays as over 68 transport unions launch a massive strike demanding better pay and app regulations. Here’s what you need to know.
Getting around the national capital region just got a whole lot tougher. Today, Delhi-NCR is waking up to a massive 'chakka jam' as over 68 commercial vehicle unions have officially launched a strike. If you’re planning to head to the airport or a railway station, you might want to leave much earlier than usual or look for alternative transport.
The strike, which is expected to last for three days, has been called by a coalition of unions, including the prominent Chalak Shakti Union. The drivers are voicing their frustration over what they call "economic exploitation" by ride-hailing giants like Ola, Uber, and Rapido. With fuel prices on a steady climb, many drivers claim they are on the verge of starvation because their earnings simply aren't keeping up with the rising costs of living and vehicle maintenance.
Beyond just the fare prices, the unions are demanding a complete overhaul of app policies and better pay structures. They are also pointing to mounting annual expenses, such as vehicle fitness certificates, which add a heavy burden to their already thinning margins. The ultimate goal of this protest is to force a formal meeting with the Delhi government to address these long-standing grievances and revise fares in line with current fuel costs.
Early visuals from major transit hubs like the New Delhi Railway Station and Anand Vihar Terminus show commuters stranded with their luggage, facing long wait times and significantly higher fares from the few drivers still on the road. While the disruption was mild in the very early morning hours, the impact has intensified as the day progressed and more drivers joined the protest lines.
However, it is worth noting that the strike isn't absolute. At least six auto unions have decided to distance themselves from the call for a 'chakka jam,' which might provide some small relief to local travelers. For now, the message from the drivers is clear: they feel pushed to the brink and are seeking a sustainable way to earn their livelihood in an increasingly expensive city.
['#DelhiStrike', '#ChakkaJam', '#NCRTransport']
