Pune: Transporters Threaten Indefinite Strike From July 1, Essential Supplies Like Milk, Veggies and Medicines at Risk
Pune, 29th June 2025 – The Pune District Motor Goods Transport Association has declared an indefinite shutdown of vehicles transporting essential commodities starting July 1, protesting the ongoing crackdown by traffic police against goods carriers within city limits.
If the strike proceeds, the supply of food grains, milk, vegetables, flowers, and medicines could be severely disrupted, leading to potential shortages across Pune.
Protest Against Traffic Police Restrictions
The association has condemned the continued penalties imposed on tempos and trucks carrying essential goods in key areas like Nana Peth, Bhavani Peth, Ganesh Peth, Bhusar Bazaar, and Market Yard. Traffic police have restricted heavy vehicle movement during daytime on major roads, citing safety concerns after recent accidents.
Transporters argue that these restrictions have disrupted supply chains, causing shortages in local markets and likely price hikes in the coming days.
Transporters Demand Immediate Relief
In a recent meeting, transporters and trade bodies highlighted the impact of the ban, stressing that despite carrying essential goods, their vehicles face penalties, delaying deliveries and affecting retailers, wholesalers, and daily-wage workers.
“We are left with no choice. If our vehicles are not exempted, we will suspend operations from July 1. The situation demands an immediate solution,” said a transport association member.
Traders Support Transporters’ Demands
Raikumar Nahar, President of the Pune Merchants Chamber, urged an urgent meeting involving the District Collector, Police Commissioner, and APMC officials to resolve the crisis.
“This affects the entire food supply chain. Traders, porters, and retailers will suffer, and the public will face rising prices. The administration must intervene,” Nahar warned.
Potential City-Wide Supply Chain Disruption
The strike could paralyze the distribution of perishable goods like milk and vegetables, which require multiple daily deliveries. Even a brief disruption may lead to stockouts and inflation.
While civic officials remain silent, discussions are expected soon to prevent escalation. With the July 1 deadline approaching, residents and businesses brace for possible shortages, hoping for swift government intervention.
State-Wide Transport Strike Looms
Separately, Maharashtra’s bus and truck operators have threatened an indefinite strike from July 1 if demands regarding e-challans, fines, and entry restrictions remain unaddressed. The strike could halt school buses, employee transport, and intra-state goods movement.
Baba Shinde, President of the Maharashtra Drivers-Owners Federation, warned of a state-wide chakka jam (road blockade) from July 2 if demands are ignored.
Transporters demand:
✔ Waiver of existing fines
✔ Removal of helper mandate in heavy vehicles
✔ Scrapping of ‘no-entry’ timings in cities
Since June 16, transporters have protested at Azad Maidan, Mumbai, but their grievances remain unresolved.
