Commuters left in lurch as DTC bus drivers' strike enters second day

Commuters in the national capital faced difficulties on Wednesday as the strike by Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus drivers entered its second day, with fewer buses reported on roads.

The protesting drivers, mostly those operating the new electric buses, are demanding an increase in daily wages, medical facilities and payment of overtime, among other issues.

"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.

The drivers have also sought removal of a penalty imposed on them when a bus is damaged, saying they should not be held liable in such cases.

Commuters took to social media to report reduced bus availability on Wednesday, saying it was affecting their daily travel.

The city currently has around 6,500 DTC buses, including a growing fleet of electric buses.

Several parents also complained about disruptions to bus services for schoolchildren due to the strike.