DTC drivers' strike enters second day, commuters face difficulties

The strike by Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus drivers entered its second day on Wednesday, causing difficulties for commuters and leaving several parents worried over school transport, even as Transport Minister Pankaj Singh appealed to the drivers to call off the agitation and assured them that their concerns would be addressed.

Several commuters took to social media to report fewer buses on the roads, affecting their daily travel.

Parents also complained about disruption in school bus services. Sardar Patel Vidyalaya, in a message to parents, said the operational status of its school buses remained uncertain in some areas due to the strike.

The school said it had made alternative arrangements for students' return journey and asked parents to remain in touch with their respective 'Bus Didi' for updates until services became regular.

The DTC had stopped providing buses to schools from the 2023 academic session amid increasing demand for its fleet for public transport.

It had earlier provided more than 350 buses to schools for ferrying children. Following their withdrawal, only 8-10 buses have been provided to some schools to cater to specially abled children.

The protesting drivers, most of whom operate new electric buses, are demanding an increase in daily wages, medical facilities and overtime payments.

"We back the demand of drivers; currently no government representatives have reached out to us. Our strike is peaceful and we have decided not to drive buses," said Lalit Chaudhary, president of the DTC Karamchari Ekta Union.

He said drivers and conductors operating the buses were being paid Rs 862 a day, the minimum wage fixed by the Delhi government, which is generally applicable to daily-wage labourers, factory workers and employees in small companies.

The drivers have also sought removal of penalties imposed on them in case of damage to buses.

"It is very difficult for us to manage in the salary that we are getting, there is no medical coverage for us. The government has reached out to us but no concrete solution has been worked out yet, so the strike will continue," said Sonu, one of the protesting drivers.

Singh said he had directed private concessionaires managing DTC's electric buses to resolve the drivers' issues immediately.

"We have directed the private concessioners managing the DTC electric buses to sort the issues with drivers immediately. Also, I would like to appeal to the drivers to withdraw the strike. We are here to listen to your issues, essential services should not be affected," he told reporters.

There are currently around 6,500 DTC buses in Delhi, with a total ridership of around 60 lakh passengers a day.