Delhi-NCR Transport Unions Initiate Three-Day Strike Against Environmental Cess Hike

Transport unions in the Delhi-NCR region have launched a three-day strike in protest against the government's hike in environmental compensation cess on commercial vehicles. This action, supported by over 68 unions, is expected to disrupt taxi and auto-rickshaw services, causing significant inconvenience for daily commuters. Union members have voiced strong opposition to the increase, citing a decline in driver earnings and rising operational costs. The strike aims to draw attention to what they consider unjust policies affecting the transport sector. As the situation unfolds, drivers hope for a resolution to their concerns regarding fare reductions and operational challenges.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 21, 2026, 14:16 IST

Transport Unions Protest in Delhi-NCR

In the Delhi-NCR region, commercial vehicle associations have commenced a three-day strike starting Thursday in response to the Delhi government's decision to increase the environmental compensation cess on commercial vehicles. This strike is expected to last until Saturday, potentially disrupting taxi, auto-rickshaw, and various other transport services, causing inconvenience for daily commuters. Over 68 transport unions have rallied under the banners of the All India Motor Transport Congress and the United Front of All Transport Associations to support this shutdown.

The All India Motor Transport Congress, representing truck operators, private buses, taxis, and maxi cab associations, held a meeting in Delhi on Tuesday where members expressed strong opposition to the cess hike. In a joint statement, they announced that more than 68 unions in the Delhi-NCR area have decided to suspend transport services from May 21 to May 23 under the AIMTC banner. This strike is a protest against what they describe as "unjust and unreasonable policies" imposed on the transport sector by the Air Quality Management Commission, courts, and the Delhi government.

Taxi driver Narendra Tiwari discussed the strike, noting a significant drop in earnings for drivers in recent weeks. He mentioned that the fare reductions have worsened the situation. For instance, RapidO was paying ₹30 per kilometer between April 18 and 25, but this has now been reduced to approximately ₹15-16 per kilometer. Tiwari added that drivers are participating in the protests from May 21 to May 23, hoping that officials will address their concerns regarding declining fares and rising operational costs.