Delhi Chakka Jam live updates: Why drivers are on strike today in NCR; Check areas affected in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad and NCR
Also Read: Delhi Chakka Jam for three days: Check out what might be affected in Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad and other NCR regions
While many automotive and taxi unions stayed away from the agitation and said normal services would continue, transport companies supporting the strike warned that larger protests could occur if their demands were ignored.
Delhi Chakka Jam News: Why are drivers protesting?
Protesting unions say rising fuel prices are making it increasingly difficult for commercial drivers to meet their daily expenses and support their families.
“Due to the ever-increasing prices of CNG, petrol and diesel, middle class drivers are struggling to sustain their families. Therefore, ‘Chaalak Shakti Union’ in coordination with other organizations in Delhi called for Chakka Jam (strike) and called for non-operation of vehicles on 21, 22 and 23 May,” said Anuj Kumar Rathore.
Unions demand immediate review of taxi and auto fares in Delhi-NCR. According to them, wages have remained unchanged for nearly 15 years despite steep increases in CNG, petrol and diesel prices.
In a letter addressed to Delhi lieutenant governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and chief minister Rekha Gupta, transport agencies alleged that commercial drivers are facing “economic exploitation” and unfair treatment. Unions also accused app-based taxi operators of acting arbitrarily and creating “slavery-like conditions” for drivers.
“If the government does not increase taxi fares immediately and notify within a week or two, this movement will intensify into a large-scale protest for which the Delhi government alone will be responsible,” the union said.
Chakka Jam Update in Delhi: Which areas may see impact?
The impact of the strike may vary between Delhi-NCR, but busy routes and commercial areas are expected to remain under pressure for the three-day period.
Delhi: Congestion may occur at many border entry points and wholesale market areas due to reduced commercial vehicle movement. Azadpur Mandi, Okhla, Narela, Ghazipur and areas around major transport hubs may experience slower loading and unloading activities.
Traffic movement near ISBTs, railway stations and industrial belts may also continue to be affected during peak hours.
Noida and Greater Noida: Industrial sectors, warehouse zones and logistics parks in Noida and Greater Noida may face delays in supply movement. Delivery trucks carrying food, electronics, FMCG products and construction materials may operate at reduced capacity.
Some commuters may experience longer wait times for cars and taxis in busy sectors.
Gurugram: If the strike participation increases in the next two days, taxi availability may slow down in certain sections of corporate centers and commercial areas in Gurugram.
The movement of goods around Manesar and industrial corridors may also slow down, affecting factories, warehouses and local suppliers.
Ghaziabad and Faridabad: The busy routes in Ghaziabad and Faridabad may experience congestion due to truck queues and road closures in selected areas.
Construction supply chains, local wholesale businesses and industrial operations may face temporary disruptions if truck movement remains restricted.
Online deliveries and wholesale markets may slow down
Consumers in NCR were able to notice delays in major e-commerce deliveries, furniture shipments, and wholesale restocking during the strike period.
If transport movement on highways and city borders continues to be affected, fresh vegetables, fruits and dairy products from neighboring countries may also reach local markets later than usual.
Small traders and retail stores dependent on daily supply chains may face temporary pressure over the next three days.
Some unions are keeping their distance from the strike
Despite calls for protests, not all transport unions are participating. Delhi Auto Rickshaw Sangh declared that auto and taxi services will continue normally and said the protest was mainly linked to transporters opposing the increased environmental compensation cut on commercial vehicles.
“Problems with goods transport vehicles have been ongoing for the last 15 to 20 days and there is no connection with auto and taxi drivers. Auto and taxi services will continue to operate normally as usual at all railway stations, bus terminals and other places,” Rajendra Soni said.
He added that several unions, including Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union, Auto Drivers Welfare Sangh Delhi, Pragatisheel Auto Drivers Association and National Capital Region Auto Taxi Transport Association, have stayed away from the strike and road blockade.
Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transport Association also refused to join the agitation.
Sanjay Samrat said, “The association believes that the country is currently facing serious challenges due to rising international oil and gas prices. At such a time, it is important to cooperate in the national interest rather than disturbing public opinion.”
