GUWAHATI: The ‘Chakka Bandh’ called by the All Assam Motor Transport Association, AAMTA, entered its fourth day on Thursday. Commuters, office goers, in Assam are facing tough times despite the state government pressing 350 ASTC buses in service. Private buses, tempos, and trekkers are not plying on the main roads due to which people are facing inconvenience.
The ‘Chakka bandh’ was called by the AAMTA demanding fare hike for the service providers as the buses were operating with 50 percent of passengers’ capacity with the same fares as earlier. This was creating a massive financial burden for the transporters and bus owners. They have been demanding that the Assam Government should allow the buses to ply with hundred percent capacity. The association has made it clear that they will not ask for an increase in fares if the government allows full capacity of passengers onboard. Given the COVID-19 scenario in the state this stalemate is going to cost the regular passengers and travelers a lot who are at the receiving end.
“I don’t know for how long this strike will continue. I request our government to resolve the issues immediately as I used to go to the office by bus daily but now due to the strike I have to take Uber or Rapido, I cannot afford it. Maximum people here in Guwahati are facing the same problem as me. This issue must be resolved immediately,” said a person waiting for a bus to office in Ganeshguri.
“We have to wait for a long time to get the ASTC buses. It has become very hard to reach office on time,” said another person.
As the first round of talks with Assam transport minister Chandra Mohan Patowary have failed it seems the transport strike will continue to harass the general public in Assam.
