Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
On Monday, around 28,000 rickshaw drivers went on strike to protest a Rs 40 LPG price hike and demand other concessions, leaving streets empty and passengers stranded. Usual rickshaw activity along Jalna Road, bus stands, and railway stations disappeared, forcing many to walk or rely on overcrowded city buses.
Sparse rickshaws observed: A 15-minute survey from Akashvani to Mahavir Chowk spotted only one rickshaw, highlighting the city-wide shortage.
Fear and caution: Drivers avoided operating due to fear of attacks with stones or sticks, while some exploited the situation, charging arbitrary fares Rs 50 per passenger to Beed bypass hospital and Rs 300 for four passengers to Milka Corner.
Support for patients: Despite the strike, several rickshaw drivers helped patients reach Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and private hospitals, marking their vehicles with “Ghati.” Babasaheb Dabhade and Pawan Fattelskar assisted multiple patients throughout the day.
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School transport and commuters affected: Most student transport ran, but some drivers refused to return children from schools, leaving parents to arrange transport. Passengers reported difficulties reaching the High Court, government cancer hospital, and Ulkanagri, highlighting inadequate city bus services.
Strike Impact: Of the city’s 35,000 rickshaws, 95% remained off the roads. Shaikh Sarwar, District President, Shiv Sena (Ubatha) Maharashtra Transport Sena