Heavy Vehicle Operators Begin Indefinite Strike; School and Passenger Transport Unions Temporarily Withdraw
Heavy Vehicle Operators Begin Indefinite Strike; School and Passenger Transport Unions Temporarily Withdraw
Pune, July 2, 2025: As no resolution was reached at the state-level meeting held on Tuesday regarding the demands of heavy transport unions, drivers of goods transport vehicles—such as trucks, tempos, tankers, and trailers—have launched an indefinite strike starting from midnight.
Meanwhile, passenger transport unions and associations transporting school students have decided to temporarily withdraw from the strike and will join after two days if their concerns remain unaddressed.
Baba Shinde, President of the Maharashtra State Goods and Passenger Transport Association, stated that with the state legislature’s monsoon session underway, the ongoing strike by goods transport unions across the state is likely to disrupt the supply of essential commodities such as food grains, milk, vegetables, flowers, and medicines. “This will directly affect the common people,” he warned.
Shinde added, “The state government has been ignoring our demands. We submitted our memorandum on June 16 and protested at Azad Maidan until June 29, but no action was taken. That’s why we decided to go on strike.”
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has assured that a meeting will be held today (Wednesday) with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and representatives of the school and passenger transport unions. As a result, these unions have temporarily refrained from participating in the strike.
Anil Garg, President of the School Bus Association, stated: “A meeting with the CM is scheduled today (July 2) regarding the pending demands. If no satisfactory resolution is reached, school bus and van operators across the state will join the strike after two days. We support the ongoing strike.”
Key Demands of the Transport Unions:
- Immediate suspension of forced e-challan recovery
- Waiver of fines imposed on vehicles
- Resolution of pending e-challan complaints
- Extension of restricted hours for heavy vehicles within city limits
- Address other long-pending issues affecting transport operators
