Chandigarh Mayor Saurabh Joshi on Monday extended his full support to the city's cab and auto-rickshaw drivers, assuring them that their long-pending demands would be taken up with the authorities concerned for appropriate consideration. The Mayor met the striking transport workers at the rally ground in Sector 25, where the Chandigarh Tricity Cab Driver Union and Auto Rickshaw Welfare Associations submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting the challenges faced by professional drivers.
Key demands include fare revision and policy enforcement
The memorandum sought an urgent revision of taxi and auto-rickshaw fares in view of the continuous rise in petrol, diesel, and CNG prices. Drivers also urged strict enforcement of aggregator policies governing app-based transport services, alleging that certain aggregator companies are violating regulatory norms. The representatives demanded uniform implementation of licensing conditions and fare-related regulations across all platforms.
Additionally, they requested a review of challans issued to drivers in matters linked to aggregator operations, emphasizing the need to protect the livelihood of thousands of professional drivers in the tricity area. The drivers have been on strike for several days, causing inconvenience to commuters.
Mayor assures balanced approach
Mayor Joshi assured the delegation that their grievances would be examined thoroughly and discussed with the departments concerned. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring a balanced approach that safeguards the interests of both commuters and transport workers. “We will take up the matter with the administration and ensure that genuine concerns of drivers are addressed without compromising commuter convenience,” Joshi said.
The Mayor’s intervention comes amid rising operational costs for transport workers, with fuel prices hitting record highs. The unions have warned of an indefinite strike if their demands are not met within a stipulated timeframe.
Background and impact
The Chandigarh administration had last revised auto-rickshaw fares in 2019, while taxi fares have remained unchanged for over three years. Drivers argue that the current rates are unsustainable given the 30-40% increase in fuel costs. The strike has affected daily commuters, especially those reliant on app-based cabs and autos for travel within the city and to nearby sectors.
The Mayor’s assurance has been welcomed by the unions, who have agreed to hold further talks with the administration. A follow-up meeting is expected next week to finalize a roadmap for fare revision and policy enforcement.
