The intervention by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik led to a shift, with school bus operators in Mumbai calling off their strike and private bus associations opting for a symbolic protest by operating with black bands until July 6, before resuming their strike on July 7
School buses back off, but transport strike still looms. Pic/Ashish Raje
A united front of Maharashtra’s transport unions has now splintered into factions, as school and private bus operators pulled back from a statewide indefinite strike that began midnight Wednesday, while goods transporters continue full-scale agitation. The protest, initially announced jointly by all, was aimed at pressing several long-standing demands, including the withdrawal of e-challans and the resolution of operational bottlenecks, among other demands.
The intervention by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik led to a shift, with school bus operators in Mumbai calling off their strike and private bus associations opting for a symbolic protest by operating with black bands until July 6, before resuming their strike on July 7.
Goods transporters stick to July 2 shutdown call. Pic/Ashish Raje
“We are firm on the strike call. All lorries, multi-axle containers, and tempos will remain off the roads. APMC market supplies of vegetables and essentials will be hit. Only medical transport will remain unaffected. We are unsure why school buses in Mumbai backed out,” said Baba Shinde, president of the Maharashtra Drivers-Owners and Representatives Federation. The School Bus Owners’ Association said their decision came after a formal assurance from the state government.
“During our internal meeting, we received an official communication from CM Fadnavis and Transport Minister Sarnaik, assuring us that our concerns will be addressed seriously,” said Anil Garg, president of the association. “They acknowledged the complexity of the issue and invited our committee for talks. In the larger interest of public convenience, we’ve decided to postpone the strike and engage in dialogue.” Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik appealed to all unions to hold off on any agitation until July 25.
“We met with all stakeholders on June 26 and proposed a committee that includes members from school bus, private transport, and heavy vehicle associations, along with transport officials,” Sarnaik said. “This committee will study all demands — particularly those around e-challans — and submit a report by July 25. Till then, the strike should not proceed.” Despite the divide, transporters are standing firm on core demands.
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