Maharashtra Transporters Announce Indefinite Strike from March 5; School Buses, Interstate Services Likely to Be Hit

Pune: Private bus operators, auto-rickshaw unions, taxi associations and goods transporters across Maharashtra have announced an indefinite strike starting March 5 under the banner of the Maharashtra Transporters Action Committee. The decision was announced at a press conference by committee representatives Prasanna Patwardhan, Baba Shinde and Nitin Pawar.

The strike is expected to significantly disrupt school bus operations, employee transportation services and interstate bus connectivity. Commuters across the state, especially in cities like Pune, are likely to face major inconvenience if the agitation continues for an extended period.

Transporters allege that the state government is collecting dual taxes in the form of fuel surcharges and toll charges in the name of road development. They also claimed that despite poor road conditions leading to accidents, drivers are often held responsible instead of contractors.

The committee further raised concerns over alleged harassment related to mandatory fitness certificates issued by the RTO, stringent conditions in the e-challan system and illegal collections at border check-posts. According to the leaders, these issues have placed immense financial and operational pressure on transport operators.

Among their key demands are the cancellation of dual toll collection and what they term an unjust taxation system, withdrawal of compulsory retrofitting rules for vehicles, correction of errors in the e-challan system including removal of the 50 percent penalty clause, and the establishment of an independent grievance redressal mechanism for the transport sector.

Initially, school buses and passenger vehicles will participate in the strike. In the next phase, milk and fuel tankers may also join the agitation. The committee stated that the administration was informed about the planned protest 15 days in advance and warned of intensified action if the government fails to take a positive decision promptly.