Kolkata, June 11 (IANS): Normal life in Kolkata was hit hard on Thursday after more than 45,000 taxis stayed off roads in protest against the state government's fare policy.
The operators' unions have called a 24-hour strike to pres for a fare hike and are protesting against police atrocities on cab drivers.
The strike was organised by the Kolkata Taxi Operator's Union along with the West Bengal Taxi Operators' Coordination Committee, affiliates of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC).
"Despite repeated complaints and agitations by us, the West Bengal government has turned a blind eye to the police harassment of drivers," Naval Kishore Srivastava, president of the Taxi operators' Union, said.
Commuters were stranded at key intersections, including at the airport and Howrah railway station, with taxi drivers refusing to ply in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal, including Howrah district.