It’s a tough time for the commuters. As many as one lakh autorickshaws and small goods carriers remained off the roads in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad for the second day.
The Auto drivers’ Joint Action Committee has called for the strike to demand immediate scrapping of a new government order which allows police to levy Rs 1,000 fine for jumping red lights and other traffic offences instead of the earlier Rs 100. The auto drivers’ unions have made it clear that the strike would continue till the government withdraws the order. They also plan to besiege Transport bhavan demanding the withdrawal of the GO on Friday.
A few autorickshaws, which were plying despite the strike call, were exploiting the situation by charging double or triple the usual meter fare. The office-goers and students were among the worst hit by the strike with even the city buses of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) and MMTS trains being overcrowded.
The strike has hit hard passengers arriving at railway and bus stations. Those who landed at railway stations and bus stands from other states and districts with loads of luggage and families including children, were seen walking down the road carrying their luggage to reach nearby city bus stands.
Those staying on the outskirts had a tough time reaching their destinations. They were seen waiting for hours to catch the buses or paid exorbitant fares to taxis. (INN)