Delhi Transport Strike Updates: Protesters force passengers out of cabs, autos as strike turns violent in some parts, say reports

#transportstrike trends on Twitter, netizens complain about no vehicular movement

With the transport strike effecting the vehicular movement in Delhi, netizens took to Twitter to express the trouble they faced while reaching their workplaces. Hashtag like #transportstrike even started trending on social media with Twitterati complaining about the strike. 

Motorists to be charged Rs 20,000 fine for odd-eveb scheme violation

Violation of the odd-even road rationing rule which is scheduled to kickstart from 4 November in Delhi will invite a fine of Rs 20,000 as per the amended Motor Vehicles Act, officials said on Thursday.

The odd-even scheme involves plying of vehicles on alternate days as per the last odd or even digit of their registration numbers.

Earlier, when the odd-even scheme was imposed by the Delhi government in January and April, 2016, the violation was punishable with a fine of Rs 2,000.

Anticipating transport disruptions in Delhi, major airlines issue advisory

Major airlines like IndiGo, Air Asia, Vistara have notified passengers about the ongoing transport strike in Delhi to avoid any disruption and advised them to make their arrangements accordingly.

"We're anticipating transport disruptions due to the transport strike in #Delhi tomorrow, 19th Sept'19. Passengers travelling to/from Delhi airport are requested to make their arrangements accordingly," tweeted IndiGo.

Protestors stop cabs/auto carrying passengers 

Situation in Gurugram normal, auto and cab drivers not even aware of strike call, claim reports

The transport strike call by the United Front of Transport Associations (UFTA) however did not have any effect in Gurugram, where reports have claimed the situation to be normal. The auto and cab drivers in the region were not even aware of the strike called by the transport union. 

What is Motor Vehicles Act?

The Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019, which contains 63 provisions that deal with penalties, licenses, registration and the National Transport Policy, was implemented from 1 September, 2019. The new law will enhance the penalty for unauthorised use of vehicles without licence to Rs 5,000 from Rs 1,000. Besides, the penalty for driving without license will go up from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000.

The Act will also increase the penalty for drunken driving to imprisonment up to 6 months and/or fine up to Rs 10,000 for the first offence, and imprisonment up to 2 years and/or fine of Rs 15,000 for the second offence.

Delhi Metro and DTC buses service remain unaffected

RECAP | Majority of states on board over new motor Act, says Gadkari

Earlier on Tuesday, Nitin Gadkari asserted that majority of the states are on board with regard to the new motor law and it is well within their right to make changes in penalties where a range of fines for traffic violations has been fixed.

The Road Transport and Highways Minister said that by and large people have welcomed the new Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act and he is hopeful of reduction in the number of deaths related to road accidents.

RECAP | Indian Youth Congress held protest outside Nitin Gadkari’s house

The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) on 10 September held a protest outside the residence of Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, raising slogans against the government and even lifting up a scooter in the air to mark their protest.

Traffic affected from Majnu ka Tila to Nigambodh Ghat: Delhi Police

The Delhi Police has issued an advisory saying that traffic is affected from the stretch of Majnu ka Tila to Nigambodh Ghat. 

Protest only option as government ignoring our demands, says Noida cabs association president

The Noida cabs association president Yogesh Verma said, "For 19 September all companies have been notified that cab services will be affected. We have listed some demands. The government is not ready to listen to our demands, so we have no other choice but to go on strike."

As many as 50,000 vehicles are expected to stay off roads in Delhi, NCR

In a press conference, the Noida Transport United Front (NTUF) also called for a strike on Thursday alongside cab associations, CNG auto associations and bus operators. Around 50,000 transport vehicles are expected to stay off the roads.

United Front of Transport Associations calls for strike to highlight issues like hiked penalties

The decision to call a strike was taken by the United Front of Transport Associations (UFTA) to highlight issues including hiked penalties, Section 44AE of Income Tax Act, Rs 5 lakh cap on payment of vehicular insurance by insurance companies and also legislations on the health insurance of drivers.

Several schools in Delhi-NCR region expected to remain shut, say reports

The protest called by the commercial transport operators is likely to cause a huge inconvenience to commuters. Many reports also said that several schools in the Delhi-NCR region will remain shut due to the unavailability of buses on Thursday.

Thirty Four transport unions, including OLA and Uber cab drivers to protest till 10 pm 

Thirty-four associations of autos, taxis, private school buses, maxi cabs, OLA and Uber cabs, cluster buses under STA, Gramin Seva and large commercial vehicles have called for a strike on Thursday from morning 6 am to 10 pm.

Protest against hefty fines under amended motor vehicles in Delhi and Noida

Transport associations in Delhi and Noida have called for a strike on Thursday as a protest against the steep hike in penalties for road traffic violations under the newly amended Motor Vehicles Act.