Maharashtra Govt Promises New E-Challan Policy, Bus Operators Call Off July 1 Strike

Private Bus owners in Mumbai, who had threatened to go on an indefinite strike from July 1, have called it off after a meeting with Maharashtra government representatives on Thursday afternoon, reported Mid Day.

Murad Naik of Mumbai Bus Malak Sanghatana said that the state Transport Associations have agreed to withdraw their strike after the government assured them that a new e-challan policy will be introduced within a month. The government has agreed to provide relief to transport operators until the new policy is implemented.

He also added that they will shortly appoint the task force committee to address the concerns of transport operators. The strike was originally called to protest against 'unfair e-challan fines,' along with concerns over unresolved infrastructure problems and strict traffic regulations. Other key demands included the waiver of existing penalties, removal of the mandatory cleaner requirement for heavy vehicles, and a review of no-entry time restrictions in metro cities.