Delhi Bus Services Hit by Drivers’ Strike, Commuters Face Major Disruption

New Delhi: The public transport system in Delhi was affected on Wednesday due to the strike by drivers of buses of DTC and private operators included in the transport department's fleet. Buses from many depots did not come out on the roads and a large number of vehicles remained standing in the depots. The reduction in operation of buses had a direct impact on the passengers travelling daily. People had to resort to other means like metro, auto and cabs. Drivers are raising demands related to salary increase, medical facilities, bonuses, overtime and social security.

From which depots did the buses not depart?

The effect of the strike was visible in many parts of Delhi. Bus operations were affected from many depots including Burari, Dilshad Garden, Keshopur, Greater Kailash and Jhilmil. At some places, buses did not move out of the depot, while passengers had to find other options to reach their destination.

Due to less number of buses, waiting time on many routes increased. Passengers for whom bus is the main means of daily travel were suddenly faced with the situation of making alternative arrangements.

What are the drivers angry about?

The biggest demand of the striking drivers is to increase their salaries. They say that despite working long hours they are being paid relatively less. According to report, the union claims that even drivers with 10 to 15 years of experience are paid on daily basis. Union President Lalit Choudhary said that drivers are being paid around Rs 862 per day, whereas the salary of permanent DTC drivers is much higher than this.

The drivers have also demanded facilities like medical facilities, annual bonus, overtime payment and social security. The union says that lack of payment and adequate medical cover in case of illness is also a big problem for the employees.

What was the impact on passengers?

People travelling by bus daily faced the most problems due to disruption of bus service. Students, office goers and daily wage earners had to depend on alternative means of transport. Some commuters took to the metro, while many used autos and app-based cabs. This also increased pressure on other public transport modes at some major places.

Buses of DTC and private operators play an important role in connecting different areas of Delhi. In such a situation, the effect of removal of a large number of buses from the roads was clearly visible in the normal traffic.

Will the strike continue on Wednesday also?

The drivers' union has said that the agitation will be continued until a solution to the demands is found. According to reports, DTC Employees Unity Union has said that the strike will be extended further. The union says that it is ready for talks, but concrete steps are necessary on the demands related to salaries and basic facilities of the employees.

At present, detailed information related to the conversation between the drivers and the administration has not been revealed. In such a situation, the status of bus services in the coming days will depend on whether any agreement is reached between the two parties regarding the demands or not.