Transport strike enters 2nd day, citizens suffer

As the transport unions’ indefinite strike entered the second day on Saturday, the day-to-day routine of Mumbai residents has come to standstill.

Transport unions led by All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) began the nationwide strike on July 20 over several demands including a cut in diesel prices and highway tolls. “We are facing a lot of problems. It is tough to send children to school on time. It's also raining so streets and stations are waterlogged. We don't even get a taxi,” a Mumbai resident said.

The strike was announced on Thursday night after the talks of negotiation between the AIMTC and the Union government did not yield the desired result.

Goods and Service Tax (GST) compliance, practical problems with e-way bills are some other issues which the transport unions are protesting against.

"The day two consolidated the Chakkajam in the entire country and there have been very positive reports from across the country and all state, district and taluk level associations and

unions and their members' extended unstinting support to this movement," claimed All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) Core Committee President Bal Malkit Singh.

He said the industry has started to feel the pinch and pegged the losses at Rs 4,000 crore a day.