Assam: Commuters suffer during ‘Chakka Jam’ strike in Guwahati

20 July 2018:

Commuters in Guwahati had a harrowing time on Friday as the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) called “Chakka Jam” protesting the hike of diesel prices.

As private buses were off the roads, people used buses of the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) for their movement. However, as these were crowded, many chose to ply in auto-rickshaws and taxis.

A section of commuters alleged that the auto-rickshaw drivers charged high fares by taking advantage of the situation.

“I was going from Lachit Nagar bus stop to Bhangagarh, the distance of which is less than a kilometer. When I asked about the fare, the auto-rickshaw driver charged me Rs.100. This is nothing but daylight robbery. I did not hire the auto. Instead, I walked the distance,” said an elderly gentleman.

Another person, J Bezbaruah who is a self-employed, said, “I had to pay Rs.100 for journey of just half-a-kilometer”.