Transport Strike Paralyzes Bihar: Drivers Protest Hit and Run Law, Traffic Chaos in Patna

Patna – In a widespread demonstration of dissent, drivers across Bihar have gone on strike on Friday and Saturday, protesting against the new hit and run law. The impact of the strike is evident in Patna, where a mix of traffic jams has disrupted the usual flow. Protesters, organized under the banner of the All India Road Transport Workers Federation, marched from GPO Golambar to Dakbungla Chowk in Patna. Concurrently, farmer organizations and trade unions staged demonstrations at the Dakbungla intersection, voicing their 14-point demands.

The All India Road Transport Workers Federation had announced a chakka jam on February 16 and 17, garnering the participation of all road transport drivers, including truck drivers. Auto drivers have also joined in support, amplifying the strike’s effects, which are notably impacting Katihar as well.

Truck drivers are vehemently protesting the provision of a fine of Rs 10 lakh and a seven-year imprisonment for drivers in the new hit and run law introduced by the Central Government. Drivers argue that this provision is unjust, questioning why they would choose such a profession if they had such resources.

In Patna, the consequences of the strike are conspicuous, with significantly fewer vehicles on the roads than usual. Bairia Bus Stand is operating with a limited number of buses, primarily catering to matriculation exam candidates. The strike has caused disruptions, and the association claims that only 15 to 20 percent of vehicles are operational, mostly for personal use.

The impact is mirrored in Katihar, where the Transport Association’s chakka jam has led to transportation challenges, with attempts to halt e-rickshaws seen on the roads.

Rajkumar Jha, the Federation’s Bihar General Secretary, declared a complete strike in Bihar for two days, highlighting the closure of Bairiya bus stand and the non-operation of tanker lorries from Sipara Indian Oil Depot. The limited movement of vehicles within the city is attributed to the ongoing matriculation examination. Rajkumar Jha warned of a complete traffic jam for the duration of the strike.

Auto drivers, e-rickshaw operators, cab drivers, truck drivers, bus drivers, and lorry drivers, united under the All India Road Transport Workers Federation, are set to march from GPO Golambar to Dakbungla intersection in Patna to further amplify their collective voice against the contentious hit and run law.