Pune Transporters to Halt Operations Over 'Flawed' E-Challan Rule, Threaten Indefinite Strike
Transporters in Pune have announced a city-wide halt of operations starting Thursday, citing a "flawed" new rule under the e-challan system. This protest will see passenger buses, office transport vehicles, and trucks ceasing operations, while autorickshaws and taxis will continue to ply. The move comes as transporters argue that a Central government regulation, which allows for the suspension of a driver's license if an e-challan remains unpaid for 45 days, is illegal and unsupported by the state government.
Transport Unions Plan Vehicle Surrender and Indefinite Strike
Kiran Desai, working president of the Pune Bus and Car Owners Association, stated that members intend to surrender their vehicles to authorities on Thursday. "If no resolution is reached, we plan to begin an indefinite strike. Similar protests are taking place across the state," Desai said. He explained that the rule, introduced in January, mandates that drivers lose their licenses, and documents like fitness certificates and permits will not be issued or renewed if fines are not paid within 45 days. "The government is enforcing new regulations without first providing adequate infrastructure to transporters," Desai added.
Desai noted that the association has met with state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik, who acknowledged the rule's unfairness but did not offer a solution. "We would protest outside the collector's office and surrender our vehicles, even though it could cause traffic congestion, but we are helpless," he told TOI.
Financial Burdens and Legal Concerns Highlighted
Baba Shinde, president of the Maharashtra State Vahan Chalak Malak Pratinidhi Mahasangh, emphasized that the rule's implementation lies with the state government. "The state government can delay implementation of the rule and negotiate with the Centre, but that has not been done. According to an estimate, unpaid e-challans across the state amount to Rs4,600 crore," Shinde said. He pointed out that under the Motor Vehicles Act, if an e-challan is not presented in court within 90 days, it is considered null and void. Shinde added that transporters are already facing financial losses, making payment of such large sums unrealistic. In Pune district alone, around 45,000 trucks and trailers may stop operating if the state government fails to intervene.
Mixed Support from Other Transport Sectors
School bus and van transporters indicated they are unlikely to participate in the protest, as examinations are underway and a strike would severely impact students. Nitin Pawar, general secretary of Rickshaw Panchayat, expressed solidarity with the protest but confirmed that autorickshaws would not join the strike. "We will be present during the agitation for a few hours, and services might be briefly disrupted. However, we will not go on a strike as it will affect many, including students," Pawar said.
Keshav Kshirsagar, president of Baghtoy Rickshawaala, supported the agitation but ruled out a strike for the time being. He raised concerns about the PTP app by Pune traffic police, which enables citizens to report traffic violations by uploading photographs, resulting in e-challans. "The app could be misused for personal grudges, and the police must stop it," he told TOI.
Government Response and Calls for Reconsideration
On Wednesday, state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik urged transport unions to reconsider the strike, assuring them that the government is working toward a fair solution regarding e-challans. This appeal comes amid fears of significant disruptions to city traffic and logistics if the protest escalates into an indefinite strike.
