DTC drivers’ strike over wage increase, other demands enters fifth day

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) electric buses are parked at a depot during the ongoing corporation drivers' strike over daily-wage hikes, medical facilities and overtime payment. File | Photo Credit: PTI

Most Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses remained off the roads on Saturday (September 19, 2026) as the drivers’ strike over daily-wage increases, medical facilities and overtime payment entered its fifth day.

Despite assurances from the Delhi government, the drivers continued their protest, causing inconvenience to daily commuters.

The DTC had earlier directed that its permanent drivers be deployed to fill the workforce gap for the time being. However, since a large number of electric buses are operated by private companies, the impact of the move has been limited, and many buses remained off the roads.

Some drivers alleged that protesters were being “forced” to work through threats by the administration. They also claimed that a bus window was broken at the Bawana depot.

Lalit Chaudhary, president of the DTC Karamchari Ekta Union, said the deployment of permanent drivers would have little impact, as the number of striking drivers was much higher. “Some buses are on the roads but most of us are on strike,” he said. Mr. Chaudhary alleged that the window was broken so that the strikers could be blamed for causing a ruckus.

The drivers and conductors said they were paid ₹862 a day, of which ₹60 went towards the provident fund.

Drivers said the strike continued as private companies had not given them assurances regarding an increase in salaries.

Drivers at several bus depots, including Nand Nagri, Rani Khera, Rajghat, Nehru Place, Burari, Wazirpur, Ghumanhera and Sarita Vihar, were on strike.

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.