Maharashtra Transport Strike on March 5: Travel and goods movement across Maharashtra may face serious problems on Thursday, March 5. Several transport unions have called for a statewide strike. The protest will take place at Azad Maidan in Mumbai where drivers and union members are expected to gather.
Union leaders said they decided to organise the strike after talks with Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik did not bring any solution. The discussions were mainly about issues related to e-challans, vehicle taxes, toll collection and strict enforcement by authorities. Since the meeting ended without an agreement the unions said they had no choice but to begin the protest.
The strike may affect many types of vehicles including school buses, staff transport buses, tourist taxis, auto-rickshaws, tempos and goods carriers. Union leaders said the protest is meant to highlight the problems faced by drivers across the state. They said, “Drivers are joining the agitation to demand fair treatment.”
Why Drivers are Angry?
According to transport unions drivers say they are facing many difficulties in their daily work. They claim rules and systems are becoming too harsh and expensive for operators.
- Punitive e-challan system under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules
- Excessive state and central taxation on vehicles
- Toll charges on roads despite the collection of road cess
- Continued check-post collections even after government closure orders
- Arbitrary enforcement and misuse of traffic reporting apps
E-challan system
Union leaders say the e-challan system is one of the biggest concerns. The system was introduced under Section 167A of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. Drivers must pay fines if they receive a challan. But the Second Amendment Rules, 2026 require drivers to pay 50% of the penalty first before they can request a hearing. Many drivers say this makes it hard for them to challenge fines and they feel the system assumes they are guilty even before the case is reviewed.
Taxes
Operators say they already pay high taxes on vehicles and fuel at both state and central levels. On top of that they still have to pay toll charges on certain roads. Reports have said that taxes on employee transport vehicles in Maharashtra are among the highest in India. Air-conditioned vehicles are taxed at about Rs 6,500 per seat each year.
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Pune Traffic Police PTP app
Union leaders have also complained about the Pune Traffic Police PTP app which is meant to report traffic violations. Drivers say the app is sometimes misused and fines are issued even when vehicles are parked properly.
How the Strike will Affect daily life?
The strike could disturb daily travel in many cities including Mumbai and Pune. School transport is expected to be heavily affected because the Mumbai School Bus Association has joined the protest. This is worrying for many families because board exams are going on during this period.
Movement of goods may also slow down. Supplies such as vegetables, milk and fuel could face delays if transport vehicles stop operating. Experts say shortages could begin to appear within 48 to 72 hours if the strike continues.
