Patna
Residents of Patna faced difficulties as three-wheeler and e-rickshaw drivers conducted a one-day strike on Tuesday in protest against the removal of their stands by the Municipal Corporation of Patna. The decision to remove their stands came in response to traffic snarls caused by the three-wheelers. Drivers often stopped their vehicles at places like Patna Junction and Tata Park, leading to traffic jams. This practice occupied more than half of the roads at various locations, causing congestion and inconvenience to commuters. The strike left the people of Patna struggling to reach their destinations, as there are inadequate public transport facilities in the city. The state road transport department lacks a sufficient number of buses to provide a smooth transportation option for commuters. While the Patna metro is under construction, private taxi services like Ola and Uber, as well as bike taxis, are not widely used among the general population. Many residents are unfamiliar with how to book these services through mobile apps. As a result, the streets appeared deserted as three-wheelers and e-rickshaws remained off the roads. Leaders of the three-wheeler association argue that the Municipal Corporation’s action has created a significant challenge for drivers, impacting their ability to earn a livelihood. We have gone on strike to secure our rights and protect our livelihoods. The removal of stands from Patna Junction and other locations has caused significant financial losses for us, said Pappu Yadav, President of the Three-Wheeler Association of Patna. The strike highlights the challenges faced by both drivers and commuters in Patna’s transportation ecosystem and the need for effective solutions to address the city’s traffic and public transportation issues.
