Commuters across Delhi-NCR faced major travel disruptions on Thursday as taxi and auto unions launched a three-day strike demanding an immediate revision of fares amid rising fuel prices and increasing operational costs. The strike, which will continue till May 23, is expected to impact daily travel in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and Ghaziabad.
More than 68 transport unions under the banners of the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) and the United Front of All Transport Associations (UFTA) are participating in the agitation. Drivers have accused app-based cab aggregators and authorities of ignoring the financial pressure faced by commercial vehicle operators.
Fuel Costs Trigger Protest
Union leaders said fares have remained largely unchanged for years despite continuous hikes in CNG, petrol and diesel prices. Drivers also pointed to rising insurance costs, permit fees and vehicle maintenance expenses as reasons behind the protest.
The unions have demanded a sharp increase in minimum fares. For auto-rickshaws, they proposed raising the base fare from ₹30 to ₹50 for the first 1.5 kilometres, while taxi operators sought an increase in the minimum fare from ₹40 to ₹70 for the first kilometre.
Commuters Brace for Delays
The strike has triggered long waiting times, ride cancellations and surge pricing across several parts of the National Capital Region. Public transport systems, including metro feeder routes and local connectivity services, are witnessing increased pressure as commuters search for alternative travel options.
However, the impact may vary across the city as some taxi and auto unions have distanced themselves from the strike and confirmed that their services will continue.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, while transport unions warned that larger demonstrations could follow if fare revision demands are not addressed soon. The protest has once again highlighted the growing tension between rising urban transport costs and commuter affordability in India’s capital region.
