Commercial transport services across Delhi-NCR are set for disruption as multiple taxi and auto-rickshaw unions have announced a three-day strike from May 21 to 23, demanding an immediate revision in fares amid rising fuel costs and long-standing concerns over driver earnings.
The decision comes as tensions escalate between transport associations and authorities over pricing policies, regulatory levies, and the impact of app-based mobility platforms on traditional drivers.
Drivers Demand Fare Revision Amid Rising Fuel Costs
Union representatives argue that taxi and auto fares in Delhi-NCR have remained largely unchanged for nearly 15 years, even as operational costs have surged due to rising prices of CNG, petrol and diesel.
Drivers say the widening gap between fares and expenses has significantly reduced their daily income, making it increasingly difficult to manage household needs and vehicle maintenance costs.
The unions have urged authorities to issue an immediate notification revising fares in line with current fuel prices and inflationary pressures.
Call for โChakka Jamโ and Escalation Warning
The Chaalak Shakti Union, along with other transport bodies, has called for a โchakka jamโ during the strike period, urging drivers not to operate vehicles across the region for three consecutive days.
Union leaders have warned that if fare revisions are not implemented within a stipulated timeframe, the agitation could intensify into a larger protest movement across Delhi-NCR.
According to union representatives, continued delays in addressing fare-related concerns could further deepen financial stress among commercial drivers.
Concerns Over App-Based Cab Aggregators
Alongside fare demands, unions have also raised concerns about app-based cab aggregators, alleging that dynamic pricing models and commission structures are creating economic imbalance in the sector.
Drivers claim that while consumer fares fluctuate, their earnings remain constrained, leaving traditional taxi operators at a disadvantage in an increasingly digital mobility ecosystem.
They have called for stronger regulatory oversight to ensure fair competition and protect the livelihoods of licensed commercial drivers.
Policy Disputes and Government Engagement
Transport associations have also pointed to unresolved policy issues, including environment compensation cess and fare regulation mechanisms.
The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) has joined the protest call, expanding the scope of the strike to include multiple transport categories such as trucks, private buses, taxis and maxi cabs.
The body has urged the withdrawal or revision of levies on commercial vehicles and has also raised objections to certain regulatory proposals affecting goods transport operations in the capital region.
Government Response and Ongoing Talks
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has indicated that discussions are underway with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to address the concerns raised by transport unions.
Authorities are expected to engage with stakeholders to explore possible solutions around fare revision, regulatory charges and broader transport policy adjustments.
Likely Impact on Commuters
With participation expected from multiple transport unions, the strike could significantly impact daily commuting, ride availability and logistics movement across Delhi-NCR during the three-day period.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation as efforts continue to prevent large-scale disruption and reach a negotiated resolution between drivers and policymakers.
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