Aapli Bus Services Strike Continues, Commuters Face Major Disruptions
Nagpur, India: For the second consecutive day, Nagpur residents are grappling with transportation issues as drivers and conductors of Aapli Bus services, run by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), continue their strike. The strike, led by contractual workers demanding a wage hike, has caused significant inconvenience, particularly during the festive Navratri season and ongoing school and college exams.
Despite the operator, Chalo Mobility Services Pvt Ltd, securing temporary relief from the Industrial Court, the strike persists. Contractual workers affiliated with three unions—CITU, BMS, and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi—have refused to return to work until their demands are met. The court has directed the legal representatives from both sides to negotiate a resolution, but no agreement has been reached yet.
City buses have been largely off the roads, with only limited services operating along Wardha Road, mainly electric buses. NMC's Labour Officer, Arun Piprude, stated that around 30% of buses started from various depots after the court's ad-interim order. However, striking workers allegedly stopped some buses mid-route, forcing them to return to depots and threatening those who chose to continue working.
The Industrial Court had instructed the striking workers not to interfere with bus operations, but tensions remain high as negotiations between the parties have yet to begin. If no settlement is reached soon, the court is expected to issue a final ruling on the matter. Meanwhile, commuters are left stranded, hoping for a swift resolution to the ongoing strike.
