Commuters Have Tough Time as Auto-rickshaw Strike Enters Second Day

On second day of the two-day auto-rickshaw strike in protest against Delhi government’s crackdown on drivers operating without permits, licences and pollution control certificates, nearly 55, 000 auto-rickshaws remained off the road on Tuesday as well, causing inconvenience to commuters.

Left with no option, thousands of Delhites had tough time getting to their workplaces on time traveling on overcrowded buses of the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and the private Bluelines.

“I left half-an-hour early for my office in Nehru Place Tuesday as I had to take a bus. It was so difficult to find an auto on Monday, so I decided to take a bus. Due to the strike of auto drivers, buses are running overcrowded,” said Sangeeta Singh, an IT professional.

“I tied up with my friend and she dropped me to office. It was very difficult to find an auto Monday evening while returning home and I had to call my husband to pick me up,” said Tripati Singh, a doctor in a government hospital.

It may be mentioned that the strike, called under the banner of Bharatiya Tipahiya Chalak Sangh, is joined by over 18 auto-rickshaws drivers’ association.

According to reports, in many parts of the capital, members of the auto drivers association were seen forcing some autos plying on roads to join the strike.

“I am not a member of any association but some auto drivers threatened to damage my auto if I drove the vehicle. So I decided not to take a chance,” said Salim Abbas, an auto-rickshaw driver in east Delhi.

The strike entered its second day on Tuesday following a failure of talks with the Delhi government on Mondya.

“We will continue with our strike. We will meet in the evening to decide on the future course of action if the Delhi government does not listen to our problems,” Sobran Singh Rajput, president of the Bharatiya Tipahiya Chalak Sangh, said.

The Delhi government has decided to take stringent action against auto drivers not complying with the orders.