Commuters in different parts of the city had a difficult time in the morning hours on Thursday as auto and taxi operators in the city stayed off roads as they joined the 24-hour strike called by transport unions against the proposed Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2015.
Public transport was partially hit as commuters faced difficulty in getting autos and taxis, especially from railway stations and the airport.
Rajendra Soni, President of the Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union, which is part of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh – an affiliate of the Rashtriya Swaymesewak Sangh (RSS) claimed success stating that members of all registered unions in the city irrespective of political affiliations joined the protest. The strike was supported by some of the contractual DTC employees also.
“The strike was a complete success as auto and taxi drivers stayed off roads most part of the day. We went to meet Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari to apprise him about our concerns. Though we could not meet him, we have been assured that soon a meeting of the stakeholders will be called soon,” said Mr. Soni.
While the unions claimed success, auto-rickshaws and taxis were seen operating normally, especially post noon.
