Rickshaw Drivers Strike Over Gas Shortage; Waluj Commuters Hit

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Rickshaw drivers in the industrial area went on strike Monday over an acute gas shortage, bringing services to a halt and leaving commuters stranded.

Drivers said irregular supply and long queues have disrupted business, forcing them to travel far for refills, raising time and fuel costs. They claim current fares are unviable amid rising expenses and fear action if they hike rates, making vehicle instalments difficult to pay. The strike led to overcrowded city buses and long walks for many passengers at major junctions. Drivers have demanded immediate restoration of regular gas supply and approval of revised fares. Though electric rickshaws operated, some gas-run drivers allegedly stopped them and made passengers disembark. Traffic police inspector Rajesh Yadav warned that while joining the strike is a personal choice, no driver should obstruct others.