Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, May 21: Transport and taxi unions across Delhi-NCR on Thursday began a three-day strike protesting against the Delhi government’s decision to increase the environment compensation cess on commercial vehicles.

The strike, scheduled to continue till May 23, was announced by the All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), the apex body representing truckers, private bus operators, taxi services and maxi cab operators.

According to a statement issued by the unions, the agitation is aimed at opposing what they described as “unjust and unfair policies” imposed on the transport sector by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), courts and the Delhi government.

Commercial vehicle drivers’ associations in Delhi have also extended support to the protest, citing rising fuel prices and increasing operational costs.

Anuj Kumar Rathore, vice-president of the Chaalak Shakti Union, said drivers are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain their livelihoods due to the continuous rise in CNG, petrol and diesel prices.

“Middle-class drivers are struggling to support their families because of rising fuel costs. In coordination with several transport organisations in Delhi, we have called for a ‘chakka jam’ and appealed to drivers not to operate vehicles from May 21 to 23,” Rathore said.

The protesting unions are also demanding a revision in taxi and auto-rickshaw fares to offset increasing expenses faced by drivers.

However, six auto-rickshaw unions have distanced themselves from the strike, indicating that public transport services may continue partially in some areas.

The strike is expected to affect transport movement and commuting across Delhi-NCR over the next three days.