Tough time for Delhi commuters as taxis and autos go on strike

Travelers arriving at the airport, railway stations and the interstate bus terminal in Delhi had a harrowing time as taxis and auto rickshaws went off the roads. The strike was called by the Federation of Transport Unions Congress in protest against the hike in road tax, permit fee and the proposal of the Delhi government to ban commercial vehicles used for over 15 years.

The Federation claimed that more than 200,000 vehicles, which included trucks and tempos, joined the strike. The organisation threatened to go on an indefinite strike if its demands were not met.

The federation is demanding an immediate withdrawal of the 400 per cent increase in permit fee, and the 98 per cent increase in road tax. It also demanded the resignation of Delhi Transport Minister Rajinder Gupta. Unions supported by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party also protested the increase.

At the domestic and international airports, passengers without any personal transport took help from the airline staff to make some arrangements. Private vans and mini buses charged exorbitant sums between the railway stations and bus stands.

Passengers arriving at the railway stations and inter state bus terminal hired cycle rickshaws to the DTC and Blue Line depots.

The strike also affected the fruit and vegetables trade in the city. The perishable stock from the Azadpur mandi could not be transported to other parts of the city.