A 24-hour strike called by auto-rickshaw unions seeking an end to illegally-operating two-wheelers with white number plates failed to throw normal life out of gear in Gujarat’s largest city, Ahmedabad.

Auto rickshaw and taxi drivers have been demanding a halt to two-wheelers operating without commercial number plates by taxi aggregators.

However, while some areas in Ahmedabad saw a shutdown by the auto drivers, the green and yellow three-wheelers were roaming freely in other parts, in a strike that failed to resonate with all the drivers.

An auto union member told Gujarat Samachar Digital that the auto strike has been implemented in Thaltej, Geeta Mandir, Kalupur railway station, Vastral, Memnagar, Sabarmati railway station, and Navrangpura.

Near the Makarba Garden, the union members were found stopping other autos and taxis, and asking them to cancel their rides in protest.

A commuter in Makarba told this portal, “I came in an auto from Sarkhej and I did not find any strike there.”

Even traffic officials at the ISKCON Cross Roads said that commuters easily got auto rides from the ISKCON auto stand.

Why are auto and taxi drivers on strike?

Auto rickshaw drivers and taxi drivers allege that taxi aggregators do not pay fares as per RTO regulations. On the other hand, the drivers face harassment due to online applications. 

“The online registration of two-wheel taxis is illegal, and they are on the roads providing services illegally. Despite knowing that it is illegal, the traffic police, RTO, and the state are allowing aggregator companies to avail the services,” said Saad Mansuri, member of Ahmedabad Riksha Chalak Ekta Union who had gathered with other members in Makarba.

“For over 2 years we have been demanding action in this issue. When nothing has been done, we announced the 24-hour strike,” he added.

Mansuri emphasised that auto drivers follow all the RTO rules including insurance renewals, yellow number plate, and other costs, while aggregators accept vehicles only based on the RC book.

Amid the tall claims of the government of ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ Mansuri went on to say, “What about the women who are unsafe with those bike taxis who are giving them rides illegally?”

The Auto Rickshaw Welfare Association has stated, “Despite repeated representations to the government and concerned authorities regarding illegal white number plates on two-wheelers operated by private companies, we even provided photos and videos, but no significant action has been taken.”

“The RTO Ahmedabad has taken action against such vehicles thrice and collected lakhs of rupees in fines, and notices have also been issued to the private companies, but we need a permanent solution,” they added.

Ahmedabad RTO to conduct drive against violators

Meanwhile, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of Ahmedabad assured the drivers of action against the offenders.

Following the assurance, Riksha Ekta Union of Makarba has decided to call off the strike, according to union member Saad Mansuri.

“Private aggregators are booking rides for passengers through online apps. It has been observed that non-transport vehicles (with white number plates) are also used by the companies while booking rides,” said the RTO order.

The letter, in possession of Gujarat Samachar Digital, mentions that the Ports and Transport Department, Gandhinagar’s letter dated Apr 16, 2021, prohibits aggregation of non-transport vehicles.

“The vehicle owners of non-transport vehicles are advised not to connect with these aggregator companies and passengers are advised not to use non-transport (white number plate) rides through the online app,” it read.

The letter also mentioned that action would be taken against the aggregator companies as well as the vehicles used in this manner for violation of the permit. A penalty of up to ₹10,000/- for breach of permit will also be imposed. 

The RTO also said that it will conduct two drives a week to make sure the rules are being followed.