Delhi Set for Traffic Disruption as Cab Unions Announce Chakka Jam on May 21

Commercial transport unions across Delhi have called a three-day strike from 21 to 23 May, seeking a quick revision of taxi, auto and other commercial fares as fuel costs rise. A formal memorandum outlining these demands has been sent to Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta by the All India Motor Transport Congress.

The Chaalak Shakti Union has coordinated the protest and urged members to enforce a full citywide Chakka Jam on all three days. Union vice-president Anuj Kumar Rathore said drivers have been asked to keep vehicles off the road during the strike period to press for a government decision on new fares.

Delhi transport strike: fare hike demand and economic strain

"Due to the continuously increasing prices of CNG, petrol and diesel, middle-class drivers are struggling to support their families. Therefore, in coordination with other organisations of Delhi, the 'Chaalak Shakti Union' has called for a Chakka Jam (strike) and appealed not to operate vehicles on May 21, 22 and 23," said Anuj Kumar Rathore, vice-president of the Chaalak Shakti Union. The unions said incomes have fallen sharply while expenses keep increasing.

Delhi transport strike: legal battle and app-based cab concerns

Union representatives warned that the agitation could widen if authorities delay. They stated, "If the government does not immediately increase taxi fares and issue a notification within one or two weeks, this movement will be intensified into a large-scale protest, for which the Delhi government solely would be responsible." A joint demonstration by the Delhi Auto Rickshaw Union and the Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union is planned at the Delhi Secretariat on 23 May.

Organisations said commercial drivers face economic exploitation and require firmer policy support. They recalled approaching the Delhi High Court earlier, after which the court directed officials to examine taxi drivers’ issues and update fares. According to the unions, the proposal is still pending clearance from the Lieutenant Governor, and no notification has been issued despite repeated reminders.

Leaders also criticised app-based cab services, alleging arbitrary fare setting and high commission charges. They claimed such practices were pushing many drivers in the capital into "slavery-like conditions". The unions noted that taxi fares in Delhi-NCR have reportedly remained unchanged for nearly 15 years, even as CNG, petrol and diesel prices have risen several times, adding urgency to the current Delhi transport strike.