Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR Highlights: Transport strike gets lukewarm response on Day 1

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: ) The three-day strike announced by All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) against environment cess across Delhi-NCR evoked lukewarm response on the opening day on Thursday with only a few truckers staying away from work, even as AIMTC claimed that the strike call received 'massive support'.

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: Commercial vehicle drivers' unions in Delhi have also extended support to the strike, demanding a hike in taxi and auto fares in view of the increasing fuel prices.

Anuj Kumar Rathore, vice-president of the Chaalak Shakti Union, said that due to the continuously increasing prices of CNG, petrol and diesel, middle-class drivers are struggling to support their families.

"Therefore, in coordination with other organisations of Delhi, the 'Chaalak Shakti Union' has called for a 'chakka jam' and appealed not to operate vehicles on May 21, 22 and 23," he told news agency PTI

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: Last month, the Delhi government increased the environment compensation cess (ECC) on commercial vehicles by over 50 per cent and decided to implement a five per cent annual fee hike.

Effective from April 19, the fee on light commercial vehicles and two-axle trucks has been increased from ₹1,400 to ₹2,000, while the charge for three-axle trucks and heavier vehicles has been raised to ₹4,000 from ₹2,600.

"The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) and the Delhi government have indiscriminately imposed the cess hike on all Delhi-bound goods vehicles, rather than deterring transit vehicles using Delhi as a corridor in line with the original intent of the Supreme Court order and to divert them to the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways," the statement from the AIMTC read, ahead of the strike.

The body added that these measures introduced by the Delhi government have caused severe “socioeconomic consequences” on the livelihood of operators.

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: Over 68 transport unions across Delhi-NCR have joined the three-day “Chakka Jam” called by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), intensifying the protest against higher environment compensation cess (ECC) charges on commercial vehicles and rising fuel prices.

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: Transport and taxi unions participating in the three-day strike across Delhi-NCR have laid out a set of demands centred on fare revision, fuel costs and regulatory action on commercial transport policies.

1. A key demand is an immediate revision of taxi and auto fares in Delhi-NCR, with unions arguing that rates have remained unchanged for nearly 15 years despite repeated increases in petrol, diesel and CNG prices.

2. Unions are also opposing the recent hike in environment compensation cess (ECC) on commercial vehicles entering Delhi, along with the proposed annual increase in the levy. They say these measures are adding to operational costs and affecting transport businesses.

3. Another major demand is a review of proposed restrictions on older commercial vehicles entering the capital, which transport bodies say should be based on actual emissions rather than registration categories.

4. Driver associations have also called for stricter regulation of app-based cab aggregators like Ola, Uber and Rapido, alleging unfair pricing practices, high commissions and declining earnings for drivers.

5. Alongside these issues, unions have demanded a formal meeting with the Delhi government to discuss long-term policy measures, safeguards against “economic exploitation,” and improvements in working conditions for commercial vehicle operators.

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: More than 68 transport unions across Delhi-NCR are participating in the three-day “Chakka Jam” called by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) against higher cess charges on commercial vehicles and rising fuel costs.

The protest has received support from several taxi, cab and commercial vehicle driver groups, including the Chalak Shakti Union, which has also demanded an immediate revision in taxi and auto fares.

However, six auto-rickshaw unions have distanced themselves from the strike and are not participating in the agitation.

The split among unions could limit the overall impact of the strike in some parts of Delhi-NCR, though commuters may still face disruptions in cab and auto availability during peak hours.

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: Along with seeking an immediate revision in taxi and auto fares, transport unions participating in the Delhi-NCR strike have also demanded a formal meeting with the Delhi government to discuss long-term policy measures for commercial vehicle drivers.

Driver associations said they want discussions on safeguards against the “economic exploitation” of taxi and auto drivers, regulation of app-based transport services and steps to improve working conditions for commercial vehicle operators, reported ANI.

The demand comes amid the ongoing three-day “Chakka Jam” across Delhi-NCR over rising fuel prices, higher cess charges on commercial vehicles and stagnant fares.

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: The three-day transport strike across Delhi-NCR is expected to impact local commuting services, especially during peak office hours and around railway stations, metro stations and commercial hubs.

Services affected:

• App-based cab services such as Ola, Uber and Rapido
• Auto-rickshaw availability across parts of Delhi-NCR
• Commercial taxi operations
• Last-mile connectivity in busy areas
• Peak-hour local transport movement
• Cab and auto availability near railway stations and office hubs

Commuters in some parts of the city have already reported longer waiting times and difficulty finding autos and taxis.

Services not affected:

• Delhi Metro services
• DTC bus operations

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: Passengers at the New Delhi Railway Station faced commuting difficulties on Thursday as transport and taxi unions began their three-day strike across Delhi-NCR.

The protest, which will continue till May 23, has been called against the Delhi government’s decision to increase the environment compensation cess (ECC) on commercial vehicles.

With several taxi and auto unions backing the “Chakka Jam”, commuters arriving at the railway station reported difficulties finding cabs and autos, while local transport connectivity in parts of the city appeared affected.

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: Transport and taxi unions began their three-day strike across Delhi-NCR on Thursday, but no major disruption in commuting was visible during the early hours of the day.

The strike, called by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), is being held against the Delhi government’s hike in environment compensation cess (ECC) on commercial vehicles and what unions described as “unjust and unfair policies” affecting the transport sector.

Commercial vehicle and driver unions in Delhi have also backed the protest, demanding a revision in taxi and auto fares amid rising petrol, diesel and CNG prices.

While transport activity remained largely normal in several parts of the city in the morning, disruptions in app-based cab services, auto availability and local connectivity may become more visible later in the day if more drivers join the “Chakka Jam”.

Visuals from Anand Vihar Terminus on Wednesday showed passengers arriving and departing as taxi and auto unions geared up for the three-day strike across Delhi from May 21 to 23.

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: Visuals from Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar (SGT Nagar) on Thursday as taxi and auto unions prepared for the three-day strike across Delhi from May 21 to 23.

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: Even as transport and taxi unions launched a three-day strike across Delhi-NCR on Thursday, six auto-rickshaw unions distanced themselves from the protest.

The strike, called by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), is being held against the Delhi government’s decision to increase the environment compensation cess on commercial vehicles and what the union described as “unjust and unfair policies” imposed on the transport sector.

Several commercial vehicle and taxi unions, including the Chaalak Shakti Union, have backed the “Chakka Jam”, demanding a hike in taxi and auto fares amid rising petrol, diesel and CNG prices.

However, six auto-rickshaw unions chose not to join the agitation, reported PTI.

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: Along with demanding an immediate fare revision, transport unions have also sought a formal meeting with the Delhi government to discuss long-term policy measures for commercial vehicle drivers, reported news agency ANI.

Driver associations said they want discussions on safeguards against the “economic exploitation” of taxi and auto drivers, regulation of app-based transport services and measures to improve working conditions for commercial vehicle operators.

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: Petrol in Delhi is currently priced at ₹98.64 per litre, up from ₹97.77 earlier, while diesel costs ₹91.58 per litre compared to ₹90.67 previously. Fuel rates have increased by nearly ₹4 per litre over the past few days.

CNG prices have also risen sharply. After two hikes within 48 hours earlier this week, CNG in Delhi is now retailing at ₹80.09 per kilogram following an overall increase of ₹3.

The unions have demanded:

1. Immediate revision of taxi and auto fares

2. Rollback of the Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) hike on commercial vehicles

3. Reconsideration of the proposed ban on BS-4 and older commercial vehicles entering Delhi-NCR from November 2026

4. Stronger regulation of app-based cab aggregators

5. Relief from rising operational costs and fuel prices

6. Transporters have also objected to the recent ECC hike, under which charges for light commercial vehicles and trucks entering Delhi were increased sharply. Read More

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: Transport unions across Delhi-NCR have called the three-day “Chakka Jam” from May 21 to 23 over rising fuel prices, higher environment compensation cess (ECC) charges on commercial vehicles and the proposed ban on older vehicles entering Delhi.

Cab and auto unions have also demanded a revision in fares, saying taxi rates in Delhi-NCR have not been increased for nearly 15 years despite repeated hikes in petrol, diesel and CNG prices.

The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) called the three-day strike against the recent hike in environment compensation cess (ECC) on commercial vehicles and the proposed ban on older vehicles entering Delhi-NCR, while the Chalak Shakti Union backed the agitation and also raised concerns on cab and auto fares in Delhi-NCR amid steep increases in petrol, diesel and CNG prices.

Likely to be affected:

• App-based cab services such as Ola, Uber and Rapido
• Auto-rickshaw services across Delhi-NCR
• Commercial taxi operations
• Peak-hour local transport connectivity
• Last-mile connectivity to metro stations, railway stations and office areas
• Cab availability and waiting times during office rush hours

Expected to continue normally:

• Delhi Metro services
• DTC bus services

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: Amid the ongoing strike call in Delhi-NCR, the Chalak Shakti Union has accused app-based cab aggregators such as Ola, Uber and Rapido of operating “arbitrarily” and exploiting drivers financially.

“App-based companies like Ola, Uber and Rapido are operating arbitrarily, and drivers in Delhi-NCR are becoming victims of serious economic exploitation,” the union alleged, reported ANI.

The drivers’ body said rising fuel costs, platform commissions and falling payouts have made it increasingly difficult for drivers to sustain earnings despite working long hours.

The union also warned that if the Delhi government does not immediately revise taxi fares, the protest could escalate into a larger agitation in the coming days.

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: Visuals from the New Delhi Railway Station on Thursday showed passengers navigating through regular crowds as taxi and auto unions prepared for the three-day strike across Delhi from May 21 to 23.

Drivers say operating costs have increased sharply over the years while taxi and auto fares in Delhi-NCR have remained unchanged for nearly 15 years.

The protest is expected to impact app-based cab services, auto-rickshaw availability and local transport connectivity across parts of Delhi-NCR over the next three days.

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: Taxi drivers backing the three-day strike say falling per-kilometre payouts, fewer rides and rising operating costs have made it increasingly difficult to survive in Delhi-NCR.

Narendra Tiwari, a taxi driver, claimed that app-based earnings had dropped sharply in recent weeks. “The condition is very bad as the prices have decreased. Rapido was paying ₹30 per km from 18 to 25 April, which has now been reduced to ₹15-16,” he tyold news agency ANI.

Tiwari said drivers are hoping the May 21-23 protest pushes authorities to address their concerns over fares and working conditions. “We are protesting from 21-23, so let’s see what will happen,” he added.

Another taxi driver, Dinesh Kumar, said low ride demand and stagnant fares were hurting drivers financially. “There is no price in the market… We do not even get many rides,” he said, reported ANI.

Appealing to the government for intervention, Kumar added, “I would appeal to the government to pay some attention to the taxi fares as well.”

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: The three-day transport strike is expected to disrupt daily commuting across Delhi-NCR, especially for passengers dependent on cabs and autos for office travel and local connectivity.

Services likely to be affected include:

• Availability of app-based cab services such as Uber and Ola
• Auto-rickshaw operations across Delhi-NCR
• Commercial taxi services in Delhi and nearby cities
• Peak-hour last-mile and local transport connectivity

Commuters may face longer waiting times, surge pricing and fewer vehicles on roads during peak hours if a large number of drivers participate in the strike.

However, essential public transport services, including the Delhi Metro and DTC bus services, are expected to continue operating normally.

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: Ahead of the three-day transport strike in Delhi-NCR, the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) on Monday wrote to Delhi lieutenant governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and chief minister Rekha Gupta, pressing for an immediate revision in taxi fares and stronger protections for commercial drivers.

In the letter, the Chalak Shakti Union said rising CNG, petrol and diesel prices were making it increasingly difficult for drivers to support their families.

“Due to the continuously increasing prices of CNG, petrol and diesel, middle-class drivers are struggling to support their families,” said Anuj Kumar Rathore, vice-president of the union, while announcing the “Chakka Jam” from May 21 to 23, reported news agency PTI.

The union warned that if the government failed to revise fares and issue a notification within one or two weeks, the agitation could escalate into a larger protest.

“If the government does not immediately increase taxi fares and issue a notification within one or two weeks, this movement will be intensified into a large-scale protest,” the letter stated, PTI reported.

The drivers also demanded that the government frame “strong policies” to stop the “economic exploitation” of taxi drivers.

Referring to the legal battle over fare revision, the union said it had approached the Delhi High Court last year, which directed the government to address drivers’ concerns and revise fares. However, according to the letter, the government has continued to delay the matter by saying that the file was sent to the Lieutenant Governor for approval.

The letter further raised concerns over app-based cab aggregators, accusing companies of increasing prices and “acting arbitrarily,” while drivers were being pushed into “economic exploitation and slavery-like conditions.”

Cab, auto strike in Delhi NCR LIVE: The Chalak Shakti Union on Wednesday threw its full support behind the three-day nationwide transport strike from May 21 to 23, saying cab and auto drivers in Delhi are struggling to survive due to stagnant fares and rising expenses.

Speaking on the strike call to news agency ANI, Chalak Shakti Union vice-president Anuj Kumar Rathore said taxi fares in Delhi have not been revised since the City Taxi Scheme was implemented nearly 15 years ago.

“It has now been 15 years that the Delhi government implemented the City Taxi Scheme, but has not increased the fares. Today, all drivers are on the verge of starvation,” Rathore said.

Backing the nationwide strike call given by the AIMTC, Rathore said all transport unions and organisations in Delhi had extended support to the protest.

“We are working shifts of twelve or ten hours, yet we still cannot make ends meet,” he said, demanding that the government revise fare rates to help drivers sustain their livelihoods.

The union also demanded stricter regulation of app-based cab aggregators. “We demand that pressure be put upon online companies such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido, to ensure they adhere to the fare structure,” Rathore said.

He reiterated the union’s support for the nationwide “Chakka Jam” planned for May 21, 22 and 23.