DTC drivers’ strike continues despite Delhi Transport Minister’s appeal

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Bus drivers continue their strike for the third consecutive day in Delhi on Thursday. | Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh on Thursday appealed to bus drivers engaged by private operators for Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) services to call off their strike and return to work, saying most of their demands have been accepted.

“We held a meeting with the drivers and the private concessionaires. Most of their demands have been approved. Only the issue related to a salary hike remains, and the government will have to take it forward after consultation with the Labour Department,” Mr. Singh told presspersons. “I would appeal to the drivers to call off their strike now and not get misguided,” he added.

The drivers, however, said the strike would continue until there was a concrete decision on their demands, including a hike in the daily wage of ₹862, medical facilities, overtime payments and social security benefits.

“The government should work out a solution so that we are not faced with problems in dealing with private vendors,” said Sonu Beniwal, a driver from the Wazirabad depot.

“Our peaceful strike will continue as the Transport Department officials said talks are ongoing, but no concrete step has been taken yet,” he said.

Drivers at Rani Khera, Rajghat, Nehru Place, Burari, Wazirpur, Ghumanhera, Sarita Vihar and several other depots remained on strike for the third consecutive day. The DTC Karamchari Ekta Union, which has backed the agitation, claimed that 90% of bus drivers have joined the strike.

The disruption has affected commuters across the Capital since September 15, particularly daily-wage earners and domestic workers. Some passengers said they had been unable to reach their workplaces on time.

“I covered the initial portion of my travel from Karawal Nagar to Noida in a DTC bus. On Tuesday, I could not reach my workplace on time. My supervisor took note of that,” said Hitesh Tiwari, a daily-wage worker at a garment factory in Noida.

Meanwhile, the drivers said police personnel were deployed at Nehru Place and Shadipur on Thursday and alleged that some protesters were lathi-charged.

“Attempts are being made to pressure us into withdrawing our strike. But we will not back down,” Mr. Beniwal said.

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