Delhi bus strike enters third day, disrupting capital's transport

A strike by contractual drivers of the Delhi Transport Corporation has disrupted bus services across the Indian capital for a third consecutive day, stranding commuters and prompting the Delhi Metro to increase train services. The protest, which began on Tuesday, September 15, at Burari Ground, has left thousands of daily commuters, including students and low-wage workers, facing significant travel difficulties. The drivers, who operate many of the city's new electric buses, are demanding a minimum daily wage of Rs 2,000, along with medical facilities, annual and festival bonuses, and improved social security. They currently receive a daily wage of Rs 862, which they argue is insufficient for licensed professionals operating large vehicles in a congested city. The DTC Karamchari Ekta Union stated that the dearness allowance has not been increased in 1.5 years and that basic increments have been overdue since 2024. Delhi Transport Minister Pankaj Singh appealed to the drivers to call off the strike on Wednesday, September 16, assuring them that their issues would be addressed.