Transport Disrupted in Jamshedpur Amid Nationwide Drivers’ Strike
Transportation in Jamshedpur grinds to a disrupting chaos as truck and bus drivers strike against new hit-and-run law, protesting across key locations and disrupting traffic.
JAMSHEDPUR – In a nationwide strike, the impact of truck and bus drivers’ protest is being felt vividly in Jamshedpur.
Many companies in the city are experiencing a complete halt in the transportation of goods.
On Tuesday, drivers gathered at the Tube Company Gate of Tata Steel in Jamshedpur, blocking all trucks and the company gate.
This strike is a reaction against the Indian Government’s new law on road accidents, proposing severe penalties including fines and up to 10 years of jail time.
Although still a draft, the policy has sparked immediate opposition.
The three-day strike, evident on Tuesday, saw truck trailer drivers obstructing roads and halting goods movement, calling for the government to revoke the decision.
The Burmamines police were deployed to manage the road blockage caused by the protesters.
From Chandil too, reports indicate truck drivers protesting against the proposed hit-and-run law.
On the strike’s second day, they blocked Tata-Ranchi National Highway 33 for six hours.
Near Fadlogoda, Chandil, drivers demonstrated by burning an effigy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and threatening escalation if the law isn’t withdrawn.
This law, perceived as draconian by the drivers, includes a Rs 10 lakh fine and a 7-year prison term for hit-and-run offences.
In another display of dissent, drivers in Jamshedpur obstructed NH 33 at Dimna Chowk, Ulidih.
Their protest caused major traffic disruptions, affecting families returning from New Year celebrations.
The local police intervened, attempting to disperse the crowd, but the demonstration continued until the Quick Response Team (QRT) employed batons to restore order.
Drivers expressed concern over the new law, fearing its impact on their livelihoods and ability to afford hefty fines.
The government’s approach has been criticized for not aligning with the Indian context.
DSP Patmada Sumit Kumar attributed the traffic congestion to improperly parked trucks, a situation that was later resolved.
