Driver Demands And Agencies’ Disputes Paralyze Rajkot City Bus Services, Over 150 Buses Remain Idle

Rajkot: A dispute between city bus drivers and contractor agencies has thrown Rajkot’s public transport system into chaos, leaving thousands of daily commuters stranded. Out of 234 city buses, 152 are currently out of service due to drivers refusing to report to work unless they are allowed to work double shifts.

This crisis comes just as the city was attempting to revive its fleet following technical failures that had previously grounded over 100 electric buses due to battery overheating. While repairs were underway and some services resumed, the driver protest has dealt another blow to the already fragile system.

Drivers argue that the pay from a single eight-hour shift is insufficient to sustain their families. They are now demanding the opportunity to work double shifts as a means to increase their income. As a result of their non-cooperation, multiple bus routes, especially in the city’s peripheral areas, have been disrupted or canceled entirely. Delays and long waits have sparked outrage among commuters.

With schools, colleges, and universities currently on summer break, the urgency of the situation has been somewhat muted. In response to rising public anger, the RMC has fined the agency ₹10,000 per bus and instructed it to resume regular services immediately. Internally, there’s growing pressure on the agency to revise driver wages or risk a longer standoff.