07-07-2025
24-hr transport strike from Wed
Guwahati: Thousands of bus, cab, and truck drivers across Assam are set to go on a 24-hour strike, beginning Wednesday, alleging excessive fines, relentless harassment and a slew of anti-worker policies.
They will be doing it in solidarity with the country-wide general strike called by Central Trade Unions (CTUs) and National Federations.
The 'chakka bandh' will start from 5 am and will likely cause significant disruptions to daily transport services. Residents will have to brace for a possible inconvenience due to this shut down. "On Wednesday, drivers will begin a sit-in in areas of Khanapara, Narengi, Guwahati Club, among others," said Biren Sharma, secretary of the Assam unit of All India Road Transport Workers Federation.
Drivers and transport workers have long complained about the crushing burden of limitless fines under the amended Motor Vehicle Act of 2019, the 'hit and run' provision under article 106 (2) of BNS, and unchecked toll and satellite tax collections. The drivers said these laws have severely impacted their livelihoods, pushing them deeper into debt and uncertainty, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic.
