Maharashtra Transport Strike: Goods Carriers Proceed, School Buses Pause Amid E-Challan Dispute

Mumbai – A significant divide has emerged among transport unions in Maharashtra as goods transporters press forward with an indefinite strike starting midnight on July 1, while school and private bus operators have opted to postpone their participation. The strike, driven by grievances over the e-challan system, threatens to disrupt the supply chain for essential goods across the state, according to reports from the Vahatukdar Bachav Kruti Samiti, an action committee representing transporters.

The goods transport sector, backed by the Maharashtra State Motor Owners’ Association, is demanding a complete rollback of e-challan fines, which they describe as unjust and financially burdensome. Uday Barge, convener of the Vahatukdar Bachav Kruti Samiti, stated that approximately 1.5 lakh to 2 lakh trucks and other goods-carrying vehicles across Mumbai and Maharashtra will halt operations. However, essential items such as milk, vegetables, and medicines have been exempted from the strike to minimize public inconvenience.

In contrast, school and private bus operators have deferred their strike plans following assurances from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. Anil Garg, president of the School Bus Owners’ Association, announced the postponement after the state government promised to address their concerns over e-challans, which they claim are arbitrarily imposed. Deepak Naik, president of the Mumbai Bus Malak Sanghatana, confirmed that bus operators will show solidarity by displaying black flags on vehicles until July 6, as reported by News18.

The state government has responded by forming a 10-member committee, including representatives from the Mumbai Traffic Police, Highway Police, Motor Vehicles Department, and transport associations, to investigate the e-challan issue. According to a Government Resolution issued on July 1, the committee is expected to submit its findings within a month, per Business Standard. This follows earlier commitments made by Transport Minister Sarnaik on June 26 to address the transporters’ grievances.

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The ongoing protest by goods transporters, who have been staging a sit-in at Azad Maidan since June 16, signals potential disruptions to logistics and freight movement if the government fails to act swiftly, a Vahatukdar Bachav Kruti Samiti leader told Free Press Journal. The strike’s impact could ripple across Maharashtra, affecting supply chains and daily operations, though the exemption of essential goods aims to mitigate immediate public hardship.