Truckers in Maharashtra Launch Indefinite Strike Against E-Challan System Amid Supply Assurance

Truck drivers in Maharashtra initiated an indefinite strike on Wednesday, protesting the e-challan system for fine recovery and demanding quick solutions to long-standing issues. Transport representatives reported disruptions in goods transport across the state. However, authorities confirmed that essential items like milk, fruits, and vegetables were not affected by the strike.

Despite State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik's appeal and three circulars promising relief, truckers continued their protest. Sarnaik assured transporters that a committee was formed to address issues like parking and enforcement actions positively. The transport commissioner's office later issued circulars regarding bus parking and school buses, but truckers remained firm.

Truckers' Demands and Strike Impact

The Vahatukdar Bachao Kruti Sanghatana called the strike, which saw mixed responses on its first day. While most trucks operated normally, areas like Nhava Sheva and Pune witnessed many goods vehicles staying off the roads. Bus operators delayed joining the strike for a few days.

Transporters demand stopping forceful e-challan fine recovery, cancelling e-challans older than six months, waiving existing penalties, scrapping the mandatory cleaner rule for heavy vehicles, and reconsidering no-entry timings in metro cities. They argue that aggressive recovery disrupts business operations.

Government Response and Committee Formation

A 10-member committee was established by the state government, including senior officers from Mumbai traffic police, highway police, motor vehicles department, and transport association leaders. The committee is tasked with submitting a report within a month as per a Government Resolution issued late Tuesday night.

Uday Barge, action committee convener, stated that the strike would persist as the primary demand to regulate bulk e-challans remains unresolved. He mentioned that 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh trucks and goods-carrying vehicles in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra would halt operations.

Localised Strike Effects

In Mumbai's business hub Kalbadevi, all trucks were reportedly off the roads. In other areas, transport association members used peaceful persuasion to encourage participation in the strike. Baba Shinde from Pune indicated some local bus operators would join the strike on Thursday.

The protest was previously called off on June 24 after Industries Minister Uday Samant promised a meeting to address their concerns. However, with unresolved issues persisting, truckers have resumed their protest efforts.

With inputs from PTI