21 May,2026 11:07 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Delhi-NCR transport unions launch strike till May 23. Representational Pic/file
Transport and taxi unions in Delhi-NCR began a three-day strike on Thursday, May 21-23, leading to expected disruptions in daily commuting across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and nearby areas. The strike has been called against the Delhi government's decision to increase the environment compensation cess on commercial vehicles, according to agencies.
The strike has been organised under the banner of the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), the apex transport body which represents truckers, private buses, taxis and maxi cab operators.
The decision was taken in a meeting held on Tuesday. The unions also allege that the protest is also against what it called "unfair policies" imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), courts and the Delhi government on the transport sector, news agencies reported.
Along with opposing the cess hike, drivers are demanding an increase in taxi and auto fares due to rising fuel prices and long-standing low earnings. The Chaalak Shakti Union and other driver groups have called for a "chakka jam" and urged drivers not to operate vehicles during the strike period.
Many drivers have also raised concerns over app-based cab aggregators like Ola, Uber and Rapido, accusing them of reducing payouts and setting arbitrary fare structures. Drivers say their income has dropped sharply, making it difficult to manage daily expenses.
As per ANI reporting, Taxi driver Narendra Tiwari said per-kilometre earnings have fallen significantly in recent weeks. Another driver, Dinesh Kumar, said ride availability and fares are too low and urged the government to intervene and revise taxi rates. "Rapido was paying Rs 30 per km from 18 to 25 April, which has now been reduced to Rs 15-16"
According to the Chaalak Shakti Union, taxi fares in Delhi-NCR have not been revised for nearly 15 years, even though fuel and operational costs have increased sharply. The union has raised the issue with the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, Transport Minister and Police Commissioner, as per ANI reports.
"Taxi fares are still being charged at old rates despite rising inflation..." the Union said in it's letter, as per ANI.
Drivers say rising costs of CNG, petrol, diesel, maintenance, permits, insurance and fitness certificates have severely affected their livelihoods. They have also demanded a formal meeting with the government to address their concerns and regulate app-based transport services, news agencies reported.
The strike comes at a time when fuel prices have increased again. In Delhi, petrol rose to Rs 98.64 per litre and diesel to Rs 91.58 per litre, further increasing pressure on commercial drivers.
While several unions are participating in the strike, six auto-rickshaw unions have decided to stay away and are not supporting the protest, as per PTI reports.
(With PTI and ANI inputs)
