Taxi, Auto And Commercial Drivers Begin Three-Day Strike Across Delhi-NCR

Horns blared less frequently across parts of the national capital on Friday as thousands of truckers, cab operators and autorickshaw drivers began a three-day strike against what transport unions described as “anti-transport” policies in the Delhi-NCR region. While the All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) had projected a near-total shutdown, transport activity across the city remained only partially disrupted, with many vehicles continuing to operate despite visible pockets of protest.

At key locations including Ramlila Ground, Anand Vihar and Kashmere Gate Bus Terminus, rows of parked trucks and autorickshaws lined the roads under the intense summer heat. Near the Uttar Pradesh border at Apsara, groups of transport workers gathered with placards, appealing to passing drivers to support the agitation. Protesters said the strike was intended to demonstrate growing frustration within the transport industry over rising operational costs and regulatory pressures.

The AIMTC, which claims to represent nearly 95 lakh truckers and around 26 lakh bus and taxi operators nationwide, said the strike had received “massive support” across Delhi-NCR. Union leaders pointed to a sharp decline in truck entries into Delhi on the first day of the protest, estimating only 100 to 200 trucks entered the city compared to the usual daily figure of around 70,000. Authorities, however, did not immediately release official figures confirming the drop.

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According to transport leaders, the protest centres on rising fuel prices, increased Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) rates and restrictions they argue are financially burdening small operators and independent drivers. The unions contend that many transport workers are struggling to remain viable amid higher operational expenses and tighter regulations aimed at curbing pollution in the capital region.

“This strike is not against the people of Delhi. We are targeting policies that are suffocating the transport sector. Small operators and drivers are being pushed into financial distress with rising fuel costs, steep hikes in Environment Compensation Charge and arbitrary restrictions,” AIMTC president Harish Sabherwal said. He called for immediate government intervention and demanded a rollback of what he termed indiscriminate ECC hikes.

Sabherwal also sought exemptions for BS-VI vehicles, empty trucks and vehicles carrying essential commodities. He argued that the ECC should apply only to transit vehicles, which he said was the original intent behind the Supreme Court’s directive. The union leadership added that Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta was expected to meet transport representatives later in the day to discuss their demands as the strike continues until Saturday.

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