The protest initiated by contractual drivers working for the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has persisted into its third day, significantly impacting commuters throughout the national capital. These drivers are advocating for improved wages, medical benefits, and better working conditions. Many of the protesters operate the city’s new electric buses and have made it clear they will maintain their protest until their demands are met.

Delhi’s Transport Minister, Pankaj Singh, assured drivers on Wednesday, September 16, that their concerns would be addressed. He urged the protesting drivers to end their strike. The agitation is particularly spearheaded by contractual drivers who seek the same rights and benefits as their permanent counterparts.

Among the various demands put forward, drivers have requested enhanced wages, social security benefits, improved workplace conditions, and increased job security. In total, the DTC operates 37 depots across the National Capital Region.

Details of the Protest

The protest commenced on Tuesday, September 15, at Burari Ground, where drivers from several depots including Burari, Nangloi, Rewla Khanpur, GT Karnal Road (GTK), Nehru Place, and Shadipur gathered. Drivers halted bus services, asking passengers to disembark, while many buses remained parked at the Burari Ground. The situation resulted in around 280 buses from the Burari depot standing idle during both Wednesday and Thursday.

According to the DTC Bus Drivers’ Union, it is estimated that approximately 12,000 drivers are employed on a contractual basis with the DTC. Their primary demands include a minimum daily wage of Rs 2,000, medical facilities, removal of penalties for accidents, one weekly day off, and the assurance of being directly absorbed into the DTC’s workforce rather than through third-party contractors.

One driver, speaking under the condition of anonymity for fear of repercussions, stated that those hired via contracts earn merely Rs 862 per day and lack essential benefits such as social security and paid leave. This individual highlighted the disparity between the cost of the buses and their daily earnings, questioning the rationale behind these wage structures.

Impact on Commuters and Public Transport

The ongoing protest has severely disrupted public transport, affecting daily commuters, particularly students and low-wage workers who heavily rely on DTC services due to their affordability. A student travelling from Nehru Place to the GB Pant DSEU Okhla-I campus expressed frustration over the lack of available buses, emphasising the inconvenience faced during the protest.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has directed criticism towards the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for not resolving the ongoing issue. They claimed that millions of passengers are facing hardship as a result of the DTC drivers’ strike, while the government appears to be neglecting discussions with the drivers.

Amid the protest, a senior DTC official reported that only a limited number of buses have been operational. The official reiterated the need for drivers to return to their duties, stressing that public inconvenience was a significant concern. Efforts are being made to communicate the drivers’ demands to the government for a prompt resolution.

Concerns regarding transit to and from the airport have also arisen from the protest. As of Wednesday, it was reported that around 70 per cent of shuttle services within the terminals and 80 per cent of buses to and from the airport were functional. Nonetheless, airport authorities issued an advisory warning that the ongoing agitation may affect bus connectivity.

The DTC drivers have made it clear that if their demands continue to remain unaddressed, they will intensify the strike further.

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