The city buses were back on the roads in Jamshedpur today after remaining off the roads for three days. The striking drivers and conductors withdrew their agitation over the outstanding salary issue.
The bus service was launched in the city in September in 2010 as part of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). But, since then it has been plagued by myriad problems. In the past 24 months, bus drivers and auxiliary staff have ceased work as many as 21 times over non-payment of dues. The last strike was called in June this year over unpaid dues.
“We withdrew the strike as drivers and conductors were paid April’s salary that was pending. The local officials of Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation ( JTDC) also assured that the salary payment of May will be made later this month,” said Ganga Prasad, president of City Bus Karamchari Sangh.
About 40-odd drivers, conductors and other support staff who had struck work under the banner of City Bus Karmachari Sangh demanding payment of outstanding salary on Sunday, reported for duty.
Every day, Jamshedpur’s city buses ferry over 8,000 passengers. The buses ply between 6am and 7pm, though on some routes, the service is extended till 9 pm.