Transporters across Maharashtra have announced an indefinite strike starting July 1. This protest includes private bus owners, truck operators, school transporters and app-based bus services. Their key demands include a rollback of what they call “unjust” traffic fines. They have also raised concerns over poor road infrastructure and stringent traffic rules that disrupt their day-to-day operations.
To highlight these issues, all major transport unions have come together under a common front, known as the Vahatukdar Bachao Kruti Samiti. As part of their ongoing agitation, an indefinite sit-in protest has already been underway at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan since June 16, according to PTI.
On Wednesday, June 25, the protestors temporarily called off their sit-in at Azad Maidan. This came after Maharashtra cabinet minister Uday Samant assured them that a meeting would be arranged with senior officials from both the police and transport departments. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday. The transporters’ action committee stated that their next steps will depend on the outcome of the meeting.
As per the reports, the Mumbai Bus Malak Sanghatana (MBMS), a body of bus operators, claimed that multiple transport associations from across the state are backing the strike. They have issued a strong warning about the possible disruption to both passenger services and goods transport if the government fails to respond in time.
“If the government continues to ignore our long-standing grievances beyond June 30, 2025, various Passenger Transport Organisations across Mumbai have unanimously decided to launch an indefinite ‘Key Down’ protest of all vehicles starting July 1,” said Murad Naik of the Mumbai Bus Malak Sanghatana as quoted by Mid-day.
“This action is in protest against the implementation of e-challans, unresolved infrastructure shortcomings, and ongoing departmental issues that continue to severely affect transport operations,” he added.
Naik further said that the strike has gained support from all categories of transporters. This includes those involved in school bus operations, employee shuttles, intercity travel services, as well as popular aggregator platforms such as Uber and Cityflo.
Baba Shinde, a transporters’ leader from Pune, also mentioned the demands. He reportedly said the government must stop the forceful collection of fines through e-challans and waive the existing penalties. He also called for the cancellation of the rule that makes it compulsory to have a cleaner on heavy vehicles. Another demand is to relook at the no-entry timings in metro cities.