GUWAHATI: The indefinite strike ‘Chakka Bandh’ called by the All Assam Transport Association has entered its third day on Wednesday. Commuters, office goers mostly in cities and towns of Assam are facing tough times despite the government providing 350 ASTC buses. Private buses, last mile vehicles and trekkers did not ply on the roads due to which people are facing inconvenience.
“I came from Siliguri now waiting for a bus as I am traveling to Nagaon. Now there is no seat in ASTC bus, so I am looking for a private vehicle. The government should quickly help the general public with a solution,” said a person.
Owing to the lack of buses, people of Guwahati are opting for other transport options such as Rapido and Uber Moto. But for people outside Guwahati it is an altogether different story. There are reports of people waiting for hours at district bus depots for a ride to their destination.
“We have to report for duty and it is not possible for us to take an Auto or Uber every day. We can only go by bus because it is affordable,” said a boy who works in a private firm in Guwahati.
“We are unable to operate our vehicles with full passengers due to COVID-19 as we have to maintain social distancing. Bus owners are bearing heavy losses as we cannot even earn a daily minimum wage amount if we follow the social distancing norms. If we do not operate with full passengers we cannot even manage the fuel amount. So we are demanding an increase in transport fare. Let us see what decision the government takes,” said a bus driver.
Meanwhile, transport associations in Assam have decided to continue with their indefinite strike, after the state government on Tuesday made it clear that bus fares cannot be increased as people are facing many hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Various associations have been insisting on doubling the fares, but Assam Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, in a meeting with AAMTA representatives, said that it would be unwise to affect any hike in the present situation. The transport minister urged them to call off the strike, with the assurance that all other demands would be looked into as long as public interest is not harmed.
