Lucknow: The first day of the New Year witnessed a massive transport strike in Uttar Pradesh, causing chaos and disruptions across the state. Over 2.5 lakh trucks and 3000 buses remained off the road, leaving people stranded and impacting the supply of essential goods.
The strike, called in protest against the increased jail term of 7-10 years for hit-and-run cases under the proposed Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023, brought normal life to a standstill. Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and other transport services joined the protest, exacerbating the inconvenience for citizens.
The operations of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) and private buses were severely affected, with approximately 3000 buses out of operation, disrupting nearly half of the daily fleet. The supply of essential goods faced significant challenges, leading to concerns about the availability of commodities.
Protests and disruptions were reported at various locations, including toll plazas where clashes erupted. The drivers blocked buses in Lucknow, preventing them from leaving the depot. Reports of fights at toll plazas on Kanpur Road added to the chaos.
Transport associations, including the Transport Nagar Vyapar Mandal, voiced their support for the strike. More than 15,000 trucks passing through Lucknow daily were not operational, affecting the transportation of essential goods.
Transport authorities attempted to negotiate with striking drivers, but appeals were met with resistance. Road jams were prevalent in various parts of the state, and private vehicle drivers took advantage of the situation, charging higher fares.
The impact of the strike extended to surrounding districts, with reports of halted buses and disrupted transportation services in Meerut, Agra, Aligarh, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, and other regions. Fruit and vegetable markets, like Mahewa Mandi in Gorakhpur, witnessed a deserted look due to the absence of trucks.
The protest was primarily in opposition to the proposed provision of an increased jail term for hit-and-run cases. The transporters and drivers sought to express their solidarity through the strike.
As the transport system came to a grinding halt, citizens faced challenges reaching their destinations, resorting to alternative modes of transportation and encountering increased fares.
