Transport Strike Looms in Maharashtra: Transport services in Maharashtra are on the verge of being disrupted once again. Private bus and truck operators in the state have issued a warning of an indefinite strike starting on July 1, 2025. The movement is being led by the ‘Vatukdar Bachao Kruti Samiti’ (Save the Transport Union Committee), uniting hundreds of transport unions under its banner. This strike is expected to significantly impact not only passenger services but also the supply chain due to the shutdown of freight vehicles.
The primary reason for this protest is the hefty fines being levied through the e-challan system. Furthermore, transporters claim that the state government has consistently ignored their longstanding demands from previous years. They have warned that if a resolution to their grievances is not reached by June 30th, private buses and trucks will be absent from the roads of Maharashtra starting July 1st.
E-Challan Recovery Remains the Central Dispute
The core of the transporters’ discontent lies with the e-challan system. Operators allege that police and transport departments are imposing excessive fines without prior notice. In many cases, the challan amounts to thousands of rupees, placing a significant financial burden on vehicle owners. Transporters accuse the authorities of dismissing older challans without review and directly blocking them from bank accounts or RC (Registration Certificate).
Cities like Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Aurangabad are experiencing the most severe difficulties. Many vehicle owners report that processes are incomplete due to the backlog of e-challans when they go to pay taxes or update vehicle documents.
Preparations for Dharna-Protest to ‘Chai Band’ Strike
A dharna-protest is currently underway in Mumbai’s Azad Maidan since June 16th. However, last week, Maharashtra Minister for Transport, Uday Samant, assured that meetings would be held with police and transport officials, leading to a temporary suspension of the movement. Nevertheless, without a concrete assurance from the government, the transport organizations have announced a renewed intensification of the protest.
The Mumbai Bus Malak Organisation (MBMS) has stated that if the government fails to find a solution by June 30th, a ‘chai band’ strike – meaning all vehicles will be shut down – will be initiated across Maharashtra starting July 1st. This strike will involve buses, trucks, tempos, and other commercial vehicles.
Impact on Roads and Passenger Discomfort
The strike’s most significant impact will likely be felt by ordinary passengers, particularly those who rely on private buses for their daily commutes to offices and schools, especially in large cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik. In rural areas, private buses are the primary mode of transport. Their shutdown would cause considerable inconvenience to travelers.
The strike by freight trucks could also disrupt the supply of perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, and grains, potentially leading to price increases for essential commodities.
Long-Standing Demands of the Transport Sector
Transport unions are protesting not only the e-challan process but also a range of other longstanding demands. According to transport leader Baba Shinde from Pune, these key demands include:
- Immediate cessation of forced e-challan recovery
- Forgiveness of old challans
- Removal of the mandatory requirement for heavy vehicles to carry cleaners
- Review of time-bound restrictions on the entry of heavy vehicles into metropolitan areas
- Accountability for traffic congestion caused by poor roads and incomplete flyovers
- Transparency in transport licenses, fitness certificates, and toll rates
Transport operators have stated that they have been appealing to the government for these issues for many years, but a concrete solution has yet to emerge.
Increased Anger Due to Government Silence
The ‘Vatukdar Bachao Kruti Samiti’ stated that the transport sector is already under pressure due to rising diesel prices, insurance rates, and increased competition. The addition of e-challan enforcement and police action has further exacerbated the situation. The organization claims that a resolution will only be reached if the government holds a meeting and provides a written assurance.
The committee asserts that this time they have received support from interstate bus operators, school bus unions, tourist vehicle operators, and even small tempo operators. This suggests that if the strike commences, its impact will be felt throughout the state.
Waiting for Government Meeting
All eyes are now on the Maharashtra government. The transporters have issued an ultimatum that if no solution is found by June 30th, all private vehicles will be shut down on the roads starting July 1st. However, the Minister for Transport, Uday Samant, has only indicated a meeting, and the date or agenda remains unconfirmed.
The police department has also not issued a concrete response. Neither the e-challan process has been reviewed, nor has any relief been announced. This has conveyed to transporters that the government is not taking their concerns seriously.
Expanding Scope as Multiple Organizations Unite
Initially, the movement was limited to Mumbai, but now it has spread to nearly every district in Maharashtra. Transport unions from cities like Kolhapur, Solapur, Nagpur, Nashik, and Aurangabad have announced their support. Organizations such as the Mumbai Bus Malak Organisation, the Maharashtra Truck Owners Association, the Tour and Travels Union, and the School Bus Operators Union are united in this protest.
The statement indicates that if the movement continues for a prolonged period, it will not only affect transport services but also impact the state’s economy, disrupting the movement of goods, the supply of construction materials, and the distribution of essential items.
