A three-day transport strike has begun across Delhi-NCR, bringing major uncertainty for daily commuters as taxi drivers, auto-rickshaw operators, and commercial vehicle unions protest against rising fuel prices and stagnant fares. The strike, which started on May 21 and will continue till May 23, has been called by several transport organisations under the banner of the Chaalak Shakti Union.
Drivers say the continuous rise in petrol, diesel, and CNG prices has made it extremely difficult for them to manage daily expenses. Recently, fuel prices in Delhi saw another increase, with petrol climbing to ₹98.64 per litre and diesel to ₹91.58 per litre. CNG rates were also revised twice within 48 hours, adding further pressure on already strained earnings.
Transport unions argue that fares for taxis and autos in Delhi-NCR have remained unchanged for nearly 15 years, even as operational costs have steadily increased. They claim that drivers are being pushed into financial distress and are demanding an immediate revision of fare structures along with relief in fuel pricing. Some unions have also raised concerns about app-based cab companies, accusing them of unfair pricing policies and heavy commission cuts that reduce driver income.
However, not all associations are part of the strike. Several auto and taxi unions have distanced themselves from the protest, stating that services will continue as normal in many parts of the city. Despite this, passengers are likely to face disruption in several areas, especially during peak hours, due to reduced availability of cabs and autos.
Commuters in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad may experience longer waiting times for taxis and app-based rides. Many people are expected to shift towards the Delhi Metro and DTC buses, which could lead to heavy crowding throughout the day. Those travelling to airports, railway stations, or intercity routes are advised to plan ahead and keep extra travel time in hand.
There is also concern that goods transporters joining the “Chakka Jam” could impact the supply of essential items like vegetables, fruits, and groceries in local markets. If the strike sees strong participation, supply chains may face temporary delays, especially for perishable goods coming from nearby states.
Also Read
Bandi Sai Bageerath Arrested During Naka Bandi in Cyberabad, Advocate Disputes Police Version
At the same time, authorities have not yet given an official estimate of how widespread the strike will be, as participation remains mixed across different unions. While some groups are strongly backing the protest, others have clearly stated that they will continue operations in the interest of public convenience.
Overall, the next few days are expected to be challenging for daily commuters across the NCR, with road travel likely to be slower, costlier, and less predictable than usual.