Nationwide Transportation Strike: Fuel Shortages, Violence, and Disruptions Grip Major Cities

New Delhi- In a sweeping wave of dissent, the nationwide transportation strike entered its second day on Tuesday, echoing the resounding protest against the newly implemented Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS) regulations for hit-and-run cases. The strike, spearheaded by truck, bus, and tanker drivers, has not only disrupted the seamless flow of essential services but has also sent shockwaves across major cities in the country.

Cities nationwide witnessed long queues forming outside petrol pumps as fuel supply faced a severe crunch due to the ongoing strike. Commuters grappled with uncertainty as they queued up for hours, grappling with the repercussions of the transportation standstill. The strike has not only impeded daily commutes but has also left many stranded without access to fuel.

Tensions escalated in the Kekri district of Rajasthan as a protest by truckers against the Centre's new law on hit-and-run cases took a violent turn on Tuesday. The demonstration, initially peaceful, spiraled into chaos when a mob resorted to arson, burning a police vehicle, and pelting stones at security personnel. The unfortunate incident resulted in three injuries, according to police reports.

Maharashtra, one of the most affected states, has taken preventive measures by urging the police to ensure an uninterrupted supply of petrol and diesel. However, the chaos continues, leaving citizens frustrated and stranded.

In Madhya Pradesh, the strike has cast a shadow on essential services, leading to a reduction in the supply of milk, vegetables, and groceries in major districts, including Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior.

Chandigarh faced the brunt of the fuel tanker drivers' strike, prompting the District Magistrate to impose temporary restrictions on fuel sales at local stations. Effective immediately, two-wheelers are limited to 2 litres, and four-wheelers to 5 litres per transaction, exacerbating the challenges faced by the public.

The epicenter of the protests lies in the stringent regulations introduced under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, which seeks to replace the outdated Indian Penal Code. The controversial provisions stipulate severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 10 years and fines of up to Rs 7 lakh for drivers involved in hit-and-run incidents who flee the scene without informing the authorities.

Protesters have taken to the streets in several cities, expressing their discontent with the new regulations. Transport drivers continued their protests against the new hit-and-run provisions, causing inconvenience to the general public.

In Nagpur, truck drivers staged a 'rasta roko' protest by parking their trucks on the highway. Members of various truck driver associations gathered at Samvidhan Chowk, amplifying the collective voice against the perceived injustice embedded in the BNS regulations.

More than 70% of the estimated 1.20 lakh trucks, tempos, and containers in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) stayed off the roads on Tuesday. The ongoing three-day strike is poised to have far-reaching consequences, potentially impacting the distribution of fuel and disrupting the supply chain for fruits and vegetables in the days to come. The labor action has brought a substantial portion of the transportation sector to a standstill, raising concerns about the broader implications on essential services and the economy in the region.

Fuel Shortages, Traffic Standstills, and Soaring Vegetable Prices affect life in Bhopal

The truck-bus drivers' strike in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, has led to a significant impact on daily life and essential services. The strike has resulted in reduced supply of milk, vegetables, and groceries in districts including Bhopal, Indore, Jabalpur, and Gwalior. The absence of buses due to the strike has compelled many schools to declare holidays, with online classes being conducted in some institutions. The closure of passenger buses has disrupted normal life, leading to the shutdown of markets, including the Bhopal BCCL Red Base. The strike has also garnered support from drivers involved in door-to-door garbage collection, contributing to the overall disruption.

One of the major consequences of the strike is the shortage of oil at petrol pumps, leading to long queues of vehicles and potential closures of petrol pumps. The President of Bhopal Petrol Diesel Association, Ajay Singh, has engaged with drivers to address the petrol shortage, and there is hope for improvement as tankers started leaving depots on Monday night. The scarcity of fuel has caused inconvenience to the public, with commuters facing long wait times at petrol pumps.

In addition to the fuel crisis, the strike has caused a traffic standstill on the Ujjain to Ratlam route, compounded by the non-operation of trains due to ongoing work on the Bhopal-Ramganj Mandi third line. The situation at petrol pumps is dire, with most on the verge of closure due to the widespread shortage of petrol and diesel.

Furthermore, the strike has led to a surge in vegetable prices, with retailers doubling their rates. This has directly impacted the lives of common people, exacerbating the challenges faced due to the overall disruption caused by the strike.