Chandigarh: Commuters across the Tricity are expected to face greater travel challenges on Wednesday as the ongoing protest by app-based cab drivers gains support from auto-rickshaw unions, significantly reducing public transport options during peak daytime hours.
The protest is scheduled to continue from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, with drivers demanding an upward revision in fare rates. Until now, many passengers had shifted to auto-rickshaws due to the cab strike, but the latest development is likely to leave city buses as the primary mode of public transport during the agitation.
The Chandigarh Transport Undertaking (CTU) has emerged as the only reliable alternative, with buses operating on nearly 70 city and suburban routes. Services connect major sectors, bus terminals, hospitals, government offices and educational institutions, with buses available at intervals of around 15 to 20 minutes on several routes.
The protesting drivers argue that the fare structure fixed by the Chandigarh administration last year no longer reflects rising operational costs. They point out that prices of CNG, diesel and petrol have increased considerably, making it difficult to sustain their livelihood under the existing rate of ₹25 per kilometre. The unions are seeking a revision to ₹35 per kilometre.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for a larger demonstration planned for June 16, which is expected to witness participation from multiple organisations. The Tricity Cab Driver Welfare Association has been mobilising support, and the Budha Dal has announced that its Nihang members will stand with the protesting drivers, stating that their long-pending concerns deserve immediate attention.
With the agitation likely to intensify in the coming days, residents have been advised to plan their journeys in advance and rely on CTU bus services wherever possible to avoid inconvenience.
