Maharashtra Transport Strike: Heavy Vehicle Operators Begin Indefinite Agitation, School Unions Issue 48-Hour Ultimatum
Mumbai, July 02, 2025: Transport operators across Maharashtra have launched an indefinite strike from July 1, protesting against the e-challan system for traffic violations and demanding relief from mounting fines. The state government has responded by forming a 10-member committee to address their grievances, with a report expected within a month.
Strike Threatens Supply Chains, Essential Services Exempted
Lakhs of trucks and goods carriers are reported to have gone off the roads from midnight of July 1, potentially disrupting supply chains across the state. However, transporters have assured that essential commodities like milk, vegetables, and medicines will remain unaffected.
The strike follows weeks of protests, including a sit-in demonstration at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, which ended after government assurances. Despite the formation of the committee, transporters remain firm on their strike call, citing delayed action on key demands.
Key Demands: Scrapping Old E-Challans, Relaxing Fines
The protesting transporters have raised several demands, including:
- Waiving off e-challans older than six months
- Stopping aggressive fine recovery methods
- Reconsidering no-entry timings in metro cities
- Scrapping the mandatory cleaner rule for heavy vehicles
They argue that the current enforcement system is disrupting business operations and imposing unreasonable financial burdens.
Bus Operators Temporarily Withdraw from Strike
While truck and goods vehicle operators remain committed to the strike, private and school bus operators have decided to postpone their participation following a request from the Chief Minister. This decision was made to avoid inconvenience to pilgrims ahead of Ashadi Ekadashi.
However, bus operators have warned that if their concerns are not resolved by July 6, they may join the agitation. Some have also planned symbolic protests, such as tying black flags on buses.
Government Forms Panel, Urges Dialogue
The state government has set up a high-level committee, including traffic police and transport officials, to review the demands. Transport authorities have assured that a resolution will be reached through discussions, but transporters remain skeptical due to past delays.
With the strike deadline approaching, the government faces mounting pressure to prevent widespread disruptions in logistics and public transport.
