Three-day Chakka Jam protest in Delhi NCR

The All India Motor Transport Congress called a three-day symbolic “chakka jam” across Delhi-NCR from May 21 to May 23, saying goods transporters were protesting what it described as rising operational restrictions, environmental levies and financial pressure on commercial vehicles. The action raised the prospect of slower movement of goods into the capital region, including vegetables, fruits and other daily-use items. Separate reporting from Times of India and Economic Times said some commercial driver groups also tied the protest to rising fuel prices and long-pending demands for taxi and auto fare revisions. Several auto and taxi unions, however, were reported by Economic Times to have distanced themselves from the strike and said normal services would continue in some segments. ### Which transport groups called the protest, and for what dates? The protest was scheduled for May 21, 22 and 23 in Delhi-NCR, according to Times of India and Economic Times. Times of India reported that the call came from the All India Motor Transport Congress, or AIMTC, while Economic Times said the action was also being supported by the Chaalak Shakti Union. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) Harish Sabharwal, identified by Times of India and Business Today as AIMTC president, said more than 60 transport associations and unions were backing the call. He said the protest could draw large participation from transporters and truck operators in Delhi-NCR. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) ### What are the transporters protesting? AIMTC said the protest was directed at a sharp increase in green tax, or environment compensation cess, on Delhi-bound commercial vehicles, proposed restrictions on BS-IV commercial vehicles, and the financial burden on vehicles carrying essential goods as well as trucks returning empty. Times of India and Business Today both listed those demands as the core of the goods-transport agitation. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) Anuj Kumar Rathore, vice-president of the Chaalak Shakti Union, separately linked the wider agitation to fuel costs and fare policy. Times of India and Economic Times reported that driver groups said taxi and auto fares in Delhi-NCR had not been revised for nearly 15 years despite increases in CNG, petrol, diesel, insurance, permits and maintenance costs. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) ### Could vegetables, milk and medicines be delayed? Times of India reported on May 20 that the strike was likely to disrupt the supply of goods, including vegetables, fruits and other essentials. Business Today said transporters warned that foodgrains, vegetables, milk, medicines, industrial goods and other daily supplies could be affected if corrective measures were not introduced. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) Sabharwal said the transport sector carries those goods every day across highways, cities, villages and industrial corridors. He said the industry had asked policymakers to begin talks before the situation escalated into what he called a broader logistics disruption. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) ### Are all taxis, autos and app cabs off the road? Economic Times reported on May 21 that several auto and taxi unions had distanced themselves from the agitation and said normal services would continue. The same report said the strike could still slow goods movement and cause congestion in parts of Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) Times of India, in a separate report on May 19, said unions accusing Ola, Uber and Rapido of arbitrary practices had supported the broader protest and were seeking immediate fare revision. That left the picture mixed: goods transporters and some driver unions backed the action, while other taxi and auto groups were reported to be operating normally. (economictimes.indiatimes.com) ### What did unions say would happen if there was no response? Rathore said the agitation could widen if the Delhi government did not revise fares and issue a notification within one or two weeks. Economic Times quoted the union as saying a larger protest would follow if demands were ignored. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) Times of India also reported that a protest was to be held at the Delhi Secretariat on May 23. As of the latest reports available, unions were still pressing for talks with Delhi’s lieutenant governor, chief minister, transport minister and police commissioner. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com) (economictimes.indiatimes.com)