A three-day strike by transporters has begun in Delhi-NCR. With 1.6 million trucks off the roads, supplies of milk, fruits, and vegetables are feared to be disrupted.
दिल्ली-NCR में ट्रांसपोर्टर्स का हल्लाबोल, चक्का जाम शुरू, 16 लाख ट्रक थमे, दूध-सब्जियों जैसी रोज़मर्रा की चीज़ों की सप्लाई पर संकट
A three-day token strike by transporters commenced in Delhi-NCR on Thursday. Led by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), more than 68 transport associations have joined this “Chakka Jam” (road blockade). Operators of Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs), trucks, and taxis have taken to the streets to protest against a steep hike in the Green Tax. Concerns are now being raised that the strike could impact the supply of essential commodities.
Transport organizations argue that the new rates implemented by the Delhi government have severely deteriorated the financial condition of middle-class operators. They allege that an annual hike of 5 percent—combined with a tax of ₹1,200 per trip collected by the MCD—is placing an excessive burden on their businesses. Consequently, the transporters are demanding the withdrawal of these new rates.
Primary Grievance: New Rates Effective Since April
It is reported that the transporters’ primary grievance centers on the new Green Tax rates that came into effect in April. For Light Commercial Vehicles and two-axle trucks entering Delhi, the Green Tax has been raised from ₹1,400 to ₹2,000 per trip. Meanwhile, for larger trucks with three or four axles, this fee has been hiked from ₹2,600 to a steep ₹4,000 per trip. Furthermore, a provision has been included for a 5 percent annual escalation in these rates.
The All India Motor Transport Congress has categorically stated that 1.6 million trucks will remain off the roads until a positive decision is reached regarding their demands. This strike has also garnered support from transporters involved in essential services, thereby heightening the risk of disruptions to the supply of daily necessities—such as milk, fruits, and vegetables—across Delhi and the NCR.
Taxi Drivers Also Express Resentment
Although Ola, Uber, and auto-rickshaw drivers are not directly participating in this strike, they have voiced their support for the transporters’ demands. Dinesh Kumar, a taxi driver in Delhi, told a news agency that there is no stable fare structure in the market, and the number of passengers has also declined. He urged the government to address the issue of taxi fares.
Meanwhile, taxi driver Narendra Tiwari stated that the situation is continuously deteriorating. According to him, Rapido previously paid ₹30 per kilometer, a rate that has now dropped to between ₹15 and ₹16. He added that the protests would continue from April 21 to April 23, and all eyes are now on the government’s response.
No Response from the Government Yet
Neither the Delhi government nor the Transport Department has issued any official statement regarding this strike so far. On the other hand, the general public is being advised to purchase essential supplies in advance for the next three days and to utilize public transportation as much as possible.
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