Pvt transporters’ strike leaves Jammu commuters hassled

JAMMU: Commuters in Jammu faced a harrowing time on Thursday as private transporters, demanding the abolition of the Sarore Toll Plaza, went on strike.

All public transport vehicles, including buses, mini-bus, taxis, auto, trucks and even oil tankers, remained off the road in the region. In J&K, around 80% of the transport services are rendered by private operators.

As private transport stayed off the roads across Jammu region, life virtually came to a stand still for those who rely heavily on mini-buses and private buses. Though, state-owned buses plying commuters but their number was not sufficient to cater to the daily rush.

Several schools remained closed due to the strike as they are dependent on private buses. Since private long route buses stayed off the roads, passengers, particularly Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims, who come to the region from different parts of the country had to face many hardships.The pilgrims were seen waiting for a conveyance outside the railway station and the main bus stands of Jammu. The few auto-rickshaws who were operating, charged exorbitant fares from passengers.

Meanwhile, transporters staged protest in Jammu and demanded closure of the toll plaza..

Kathua Route Bus Union president Kamaldeep Singh said the strike will continue till the decision is revoked. “The transport business has become inviable. The government recently exorbitantly hiked road tax on vehicles, hefty penalties are being charged from traffic violators under the new Motor Vehicles Act, the traffic police is unnecessarily penalising vehicles for some reason or the other. How can we sustain our business under such conditions. We are in no position to pay toll tax and will continue our stir till the government revokes its decision,” he said.