A nationwide strike by truck, taxi, and bus operators began on Monday, protesting against the newly proposed hit-and-run provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The contentious provision includes a hefty INR 7 lakh penalty and a 10-year jail term for those involved in hit-and-run cases, sparking concerns among transporters who claim it could lead to undue harassment. The three-day strike is organised by the All India Motor Transport Congress and has the potential to disrupt fuel and essential supplies across the country.
The impact of the strike is already being felt, with reports of private buses, trucks, oil tankers, and taxis staying off the roads in states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Bihar. The strike's repercussions are likely to affect the distribution of petrol and diesel at fuel stations and disrupt the supply chain for fruits and vegetables in the coming days.
In Punjab, around 7 lakh trucks joined the strike, affecting the movement of goods and causing concerns about fuel shortages. Oil tanker drivers have also joined the protest, impacting the availability of fuel in some states. Madhya Pradesh witnessed approximately 10,000 private buses, trucks, and taxis staying off the roads, leading to long queues at fuel stations and potential disruptions in fuel supply and distribution of essentials in cities like Indore and Bhopal. The strike has also gained traction in Gujarat, with around 40% of commercial vehicles remaining inactive.
The nationwide strike has raised concerns about potential fuel shortages and disruptions in the supply chain, urging the government to reconsider the stringent hit-and-run provisions under the BNS. The All India Motor Transport Congress has called a meeting to discuss the future course of action on Tuesday.
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