DTC drivers’ strike enters day 5, most Delhi buses remain off roads

Most Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses remained off the roads on Saturday as a drivers’ strike over daily wages, medical facilities and overtime payments entered its fifth day, affecting public transport services across the city.

The drivers continued their protest despite assurances from the Delhi government. To address the shortage of manpower, the DTC had instructed permanent drivers to operate buses temporarily. However, the measure had limited impact, particularly as a significant number of electric buses are run by private operators.

Protesting drivers alleged that some workers were being pressured by the administration to resume duty. They also claimed that a bus window was damaged at the Bawana depot.

Lalit Chaudhary, president of the DTC Karamchari Ekta Union, said deploying permanent drivers had not significantly improved the situation as the number of striking workers remained high. He also alleged that the damaged bus window could be used to portray the protesters as responsible for disruption.

Drivers and conductors claimed they receive Rs 862 per day, with Rs 60 deducted towards provident fund contributions. They said the strike would continue as private companies had not provided assurances regarding an increase in their wages.

Workers at several depots, including Nand Nagri, Rani Khera, Rajghat, Nehru Place, Burari, Wazirpur, Ghumanhera and Sarita Vihar, were reported to be participating in the strike. The continued disruption has left commuters facing difficulties in accessing regular bus services.

with inputs from PTI