It was yet another troublesome day for those dependent on public transportation for mobility as the indefinite strike called by diesel auto-rickshaw drivers continued for the second day. More than 15,000 diesel-run auto-rickshaws have been off the streets of Ranchi, leaving people to opt for other available options, which are either overcharging travellers or are being stopped by strike supporters.
Called by Jharkhand Pradesh Diesel Auto Chalak Mahasangh over six demands including permits, traffic fines, auto stands, commercial licenses among others, the strike has affected more than two lakh commuters from city and adjoining countryside.
“Initiative has been taken by Ranchi district administration to solve the issue. We have been asked by the office of Deputy Commissioner to submit the list of our demands. We might sit down for discussing our demands tomorrow afternoon,” stated association member Sunil Singh.
Once again on Thursday, the major junctions of the city had several commuters waiting for buses and cycle rickshaws so that they can get to their offices and schools. Some even walked from one part of the city when they couldn’t find an alternative to their usual mode of transportation.
Travellers coming to the city had a tough time getting hold of vehicles as most of them have either gone on strike, whereas the rest are afraid of their vehicles being damaged by the former.
Waiting outside Ranchi railway station, Ajay stated, “I am still waiting for my acquaintances to come pick me up as there are no auto-rickshaws here for me to take. I have to go to Hinoo and that is difficult to even walk there with this much luggage.”
“For the past two days, even if we pick up a fare, the diesel auto drivers scare them away and misbehave with us. Some even had windshields of their autos broken in by them. Administration has not been of much help either,” a petrol-run auto-rickshaw’s driver was heard saying.
The city bus service is bearing the bulk of travellers in the city in absence of diesel autos. The 40-seater buses are transporting travellers well above that number.
“With streets no longer clogged by auto-rickshaws, we are able to complete our rounds on time and have even increased their frequencies. City buses coming in from areas like Itki and Mandar are being sent to railway stations and bus terminals. Despite the crowd in the buses, we are trying to make our passengers comfortable,” stated Kishor Mantri, proprietor of KM Travels, the agency looking after city bus service in Ranchi.
Moreover, reports of followers of two opposing factions of auto drivers getting into a brawl near Bariatu over continuing the strike. They solved the matter with mutual consent, police officials informed.