Nationwide Transport Strike Enters Second Day, Disrupting Fuel Supplies and Traffic

The nationwide strike by transport associations and drivers in India entered its second day, causing widespread disruptions in fuel supplies and traffic in various cities. The strike is in protest against the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code and introduced stringent penalties for hit-and-run cases.

The BNS imposes severe penalties, including up to 10 years of imprisonment and a hefty fine of ₹7 lakh, for individuals involved in serious road accidents who flee the scene without reporting the incident to authorities. The All India Motor Transport Congress had called for the strike to protest against the provisions of the new law, which is yet to come into force.

Maharashtra: Urgent Measures to Ensure Fuel Supply

In response to the ongoing strike, the Maharashtra government has urged the police to ensure the uninterrupted supply of petrol, diesel, and LPG cylinders to mitigate potential shortages. The strike has led to disruptions in the operation of dispatching LPG cylinders to the market. Packed lorry drivers participating in the strike are not reporting to the plant, causing hindrances in the distribution process. The impact extends beyond LPG, affecting other vital petroleum products such as petrol, diesel, and kerosene.

Gujarat: Strategic Blockades Cause Traffic Disruptions

Protesters strategically placed vehicles to block highways passing through several districts in Gujarat, including Kheda, Valsad, Gir Somnath, Bharuch, and Mehsana. This led to disruptions on key routes such as the Mehsana-Ambaji highway and the Ahmedabad-Indore highway, causing delays and significant traffic jams. Videos of the protests circulated on social media, with commuters advised to avoid affected routes.

Rajasthan: Traffic Jams Reported on Major Highways

The protests also reached parts of Rajasthan, with traffic jams reported on major highway routes, including Dholpur-Karauli, Udaipur-Nathdwara, Sawai Madhopur-Kota Lalsot, Bhilwara-Ajmer, and Anupgarh-Ganganagar. Although the operation of roadways buses was affected temporarily, it resumed after police intervention.

Government Response and Consultation with Transporters

The Narendra Modi government released a statement acknowledging the concerns of truckers regarding the provision of 10 years imprisonment and a fine under Section 106(2) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. The government emphasized that the new laws and provisions have not yet come into force. It further stated that the decision to invoke Section 106(2) of the BNS will be taken only after consultation with the All India Motor Transport Congress.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla stated in a briefing that the government had discussed the concerns with the representatives of the All India Motor Transport Congress. He clarified that the new rule has not been implemented yet, and decisions regarding its enforcement will involve discussions with the transport associations.

President of the All India Motor Transport Congress, Amrit Lal Madan, addressed reporters, stating that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has put the ten years of punishment and fine on hold. He assured that no laws would be imposed until the next meeting of the All India Motor Transport Congress.

The strike has led to concerns about potential fuel shortages and disruptions in the delivery of goods, prompting the government to engage in discussions with transporters to find a resolution.

The situation continues to evolve, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments and awaiting further consultations between the government and transport associations.