New Delhi, May 21: Taxi and auto drivers in the Delhi-NCR region are set to embark on a significant three-day strike from May 21 to 23. This action is in response to rising inflation and escalating fuel prices. The drivers’ union is demanding an increase in taxi and auto fares, as there has been no fare adjustment for several years despite the continuous rise in the prices of CNG and other essential goods.
Drivers argue that the fare set approximately 15 years ago remains unchanged today. Meanwhile, inflation has surged, and their incomes have not seen a corresponding increase. Union leaders emphasize that operating under the current fare structure has become exceedingly challenging.
On May 19, Anuj Kumar Rathore, the vice president of the Driver Power Union, also known as ‘Anna,’ accused the government of neglecting the issues faced by taxi drivers. He stated that drivers have been in ongoing discussions with the government for years, yet no concrete decisions have been made regarding their demands.
Rathore mentioned, “The fare established under the Delhi-NCR taxi scheme has not seen any increase in the last 15 years. We have been compelled to decide on a strike for May 21, 22, and 23.”
He confirmed that the strike will take place across the entire Delhi-NCR region, with a large number of taxi drivers participating. The primary demand of the union is a fare revision to enable drivers to support their families amid rising costs.
Rathore also noted that the matter has reached the High Court, which has issued directives on the issue, yet fares remain unchanged. He remarked, “The government introduced the taxi scheme in 2015, and now it is 2026. CNG prices are increasing frequently, but fares remain stagnant.”
He claimed that drivers associated with platforms like Ola, Uber, and Rapido are also supporting the strike.
The union has appealed to the government to consider the plight of struggling drivers and promptly increase fares so they can lead a dignified life.
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