Warning for Rajasthan Commuters: Massive Private Bus Strike to Begin at Midnight

Jaipur, Rajasthan: Commuters in Rajasthan are facing severe disruption as 35,000 private buses are set to halt operations starting Monday midnight. Bus operators across the state have announced a “mega strike” in protest against strict enforcement measures and heavy fines imposed by the Transport Department. The strike is expected to affect around 1.5 million passengers, disrupting daily travel, wedding season plans, and even Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled rally.

Why the Strike?
At an emergency meeting in Jaipur on Sunday, representatives of contract carriage and private bus operators resolved to launch a statewide strike. The operators allege that they are being harassed by the RTO through arbitrary enforcement actions, suspension of bus registration certificates, and the imposition of heavy fines.

Luggage Carrier Ban Sparks Anger
Rajendra Sharma, President of the Rajasthan Contract Carriage Bus Operators Association, highlighted that the new directive mandating removal of rooftop luggage carriers is causing severe inconvenience. Passengers on long-distance and rural routes rely on these carriers for transporting belongings. The ban, he says, adversely affects both operators and passengers.

Impact on PM Rally and City Transport
The strike’s scale is underscored by operators’ refusal to provide buses for Prime Minister Modi’s proposed rally in Ajmer. Taxi operators have also expressed support for the strike, potentially compounding disruptions to city traffic.

Passengers Face Major Challenges

• Interstate Travel: Buses from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, UP, and MP will be stopped at Rajasthan borders.
• Weddings and Celebrations: Families planning wedding travel now face logistical hurdles in transporting guests.
• Daily Commuters and Students: Workers and students who depend on private buses will have to rely on already overcrowded state-run services.

Possibility of Prolonged Strike
Private bus operators have warned that if the government does not address their grievances, including halting fines and RC suspensions, the strike could extend indefinitely. Starting Monday midnight, Rajasthan’s roads are likely to remain largely devoid of private buses.