Transport Strike March 5: Why drivers are protesting, how it may affect you and what we know so far

Transport unions across Maharashtra have announced a statewide strike on March 5, citing grievances over e-challans, taxation, toll collections, and arbitrary enforcement. As per the unions, the protest at Azad Maidan in Mumbai was organised after recent talks with Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik failed to yield satisfactory solutions.

Why Are Transport Unions Striking?

According to union leaders, drivers face multiple burdens:

• Punitive e-challan system under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules
• Excessive state and central taxation on vehicles
• Toll charges on roads despite existing road cess
• Continued check-post collections despite government closure orders
• Arbitrary enforcement and misuse of traffic reporting apps

As a result, school buses, employee transport, intercity buses, tourist cabs, auto-rickshaws, tempos, and goods vehicles are all affected. “Drivers are joining the agitation to demand fair treatment,” union leaders said.

How Does the E-Challan System Impact Drivers?

A central point of contention is the e-challan system, introduced under Section 167A of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. While drivers are expected to settle fines, the Second Amendment Rules, 2026, require 50% of the penalty to be paid upfront before they can apply for a hearing.

Several reports quote union leaders saying, this effectively presumes guilt and prevents drivers from exercising their right to appeal, making it a major issue for operators across the state.

Why Are Taxes and Toll Charges a Concern?

Operators argue they are already tax-heavy, paying central and state levies on fuel, yet they face additional toll charges for Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) roads. As per an Indian Express report, Nitin Pawar highlighted that taxes on employee transport vehicles in Maharashtra are among the highest in the country, with air-conditioned vehicles taxed at Rs 6,500 per seat per year.

What Are the Alleged Misuses of Traffic Apps and Regulations?

Union leaders also raised concerns about the Pune Traffic Police PTP app, which is designed to report violations. Leaders said that even when vehicles are parked correctly, drivers are being fined, turning the app from a grievance tool into a harassment mechanism.

What Could the Strike Affect?

The strike is expected to impact daily commuting, goods transport, and tourism operations, potentially affecting school buses, employee transport services, intercity travel, and freight movement. However, union leaders assured that emergency services would remain operational.

What Are the Demands of the Unions?

Key demands include:

• Immediate reforms to the e-challan system
• Reduction of excessive taxes and tolls
• Strict verification of fines via traffic apps
• Creation of a dedicated judicial body to handle disputes regarding fines, permits, vehicle seizures, taxation, and e-challans

Union leaders have warned that unless these grievances are addressed, transport disruptions could continue beyond March 5, affecting daily life across Maharashtra.


Inputs from agencies