In pics: Thane commuters hit by autorickshaw strike, unions likely to call it off

The strike was called by the NCP-led unions, while the Sena and BJP pulled out their support.

Commuters on their way to work, schools and colleges in Thane had to suffer the long queues for auto rickshaws in the sweltering heat on Thursday morning due to an autorickshaw strike in the city. However, since the strike was not supported by all auto unions in the city, several autos were still plying on the roads.

Autorickshaw stands remain deserted on account of the strike. (Praful Gangurde/HT)

Since the strike was a failure due to lack of support from some of the unions, most of the autos might start plying on the roads by early afternoon , believed the auto unions.

Commuters wait in long queues to get an autorickshaw.

Areas like Khopat bus stand, Gaondevi, Thane station, Nitin Company and Wagale Estate saw long queues for autos. 25-year-old Bhakti Rajwade had to appear for her final year MCom examination at Thane College, but struggled to get an auto from Thane station. “We are pursuing MCom in a college in Vikroli but our examination centre is Thane college. We have been waiting in the auto queue for over half an hour, but there are no autos. We didn’t know about the strike, and are worried about reaching the exam centre on time.”

Families visiting the city from other states have been left stranded with their children and luggage.

Parbati Nayak, 42, a resident of Tikujiniwadi in Thane, has been stranded at the station with her husband, three children and luggage. “We came to Thane from Odhisa in the morning, and were not aware of the strike. We have been waiting for over half an hour, but there are no autos. My children are getting impatient due to the heat, and the civic authority has not provided any extra buses.”

The strike was called by the NCP-led unions, while the Sena and BJP pulled out their support.

Raju Gajmal, the vice president of Ekta Rickshaw Taxi Malak Chalak Sena, said, “If the auto unions have a problem with the commissioner, they should file a case against him. We do not believe in targeting the commuters. Over 5000 autos from our union are plying on the roads and helping the commuters.”