Gurgaon commuters stranded as autos go on a strike

A strike by diesel auto drivers left hundreds of commuters stranded in and around Gurgaon today morning. Around 40,000 commuters use auto every day for travel.

The Auto Driver Union called the strike after the traffic police challaned more than 300 autos in the last three days. According to the Union, over 40,000 diesel-run, three-wheeler operators suspended work in response to the call.

“Normally, we find autos waiting for passengers at the DLF Phase I stand. But today, most of them were missing from the stand. And a few that were there operating plied full capacity,” said a commuter.

Capitalising on the situation, some drivers overcharged the passengers. “I commute between Rajiv Chowk and the bus stand every day for Rs 10. Today, they were charging Rs 15. I had to pay that extra bit to reach my destination,” said Ashish Kumar, a private firm employee.

The buses of Haryana Roadways State Transport made a killing today – they were plying full capacity in the morning.  “Owing to the strike, we are expecting to earn around Rs 50,000 extra today. Most people, who otherwise prefer autos, had to take the local bus today,” said a Haryana Roadways official.