Taxi strike cripples life in Mumbai

Mumbai, June 23 (ANI): Life in Mumbai remained crippled for the second consecutive day on Wednesday as thousands of taxis continued their strike.

Demanding a fare hike, nearly 100,000 auto-rickshaws and over 80,000 taxis have refused to ply on the roads.

The harrowing strike has stung the commuters, who are already reeling from the heavy rains that have hit the city.

With taxis off the roads, they are left with no option but to travel in public buses, which are less frequent and overcrowded, claim passengers.

"Every time there is a transport strike, it is the people who are hurt the most. It wastes our time. Taxis are very important for us because one can commute very fast and not waste time," said Arun, a commuter.

Meanwhile, the striking unions say that the demands would have to be met by the government, else the strike would continue indefinitely.

"We have been affected by the hike in fuel prices. We are demanding a hike in taxi fares, in proportion to the increase in gas prices. We appeal to the government to look into the matter," said Churalal Yadav, a taxi driver. (ANI)