Delhi-NCR Braces for Major Transportation Disruptions as Auto and Taxi Unions Go on Strike

New Delhi – The Delhi-NCR region is set to face significant transportation disruptions over the next two days as over 15 auto and taxi driver unions have announced a strike on August 22 and 23. The strike, organized by unions representing more than 100,000 cabs, autos, and 400,000 taxis, is expected to bring a majority of public transportation services to a halt.

The unions have come together to protest the adverse effects of app-based cab services, such as Ola and Uber, on their livelihoods. According to the unions, these companies charge drivers hefty commissions while offering fares that have drastically reduced their income. Despite repeated attempts to raise these issues with both the central and state governments, the unions claim that their concerns have fallen on deaf ears.

“For several years, we have been writing to governments and departments about companies like Ola and Uber, but no one listens. These companies present their side, and the government presents its side, but these businesses operate as a game of donations, with the government also involved. We demand an end to this game,” Kishan Verma, President of the Delhi Auto Taxi Transport Congress Union, told news agency IANS.

The strike has been called by several major unions, including the Taxi Driver Army Union, Delhi Auto Tricycle Driver Union, and Rajdhani Tourist Driver Union. The unions are demanding immediate government intervention to regulate the practices of app-based cab services and provide relief to traditional auto and taxi drivers who are struggling to make ends meet.

The strike is expected to cause widespread inconvenience across Delhi-NCR, with commuters facing difficulties in finding transportation for their daily needs. With both auto-rickshaws and taxis off the roads, the region is likely to see a sharp rise in demand for other modes of transportation, potentially leading to overcrowded public transport and increased travel times.

The Delhi government has yet to issue an official response to the strike, but commuters are being advised to plan their travel accordingly and seek alternative arrangements where possible.