The autorikshaw and Vikram strike in Ghaziabad that entered its third day on Wednesday has left the NCR city completely collapsed as people here extensively use these vehicles as the mode of transportation. A large number commuters could be seen at different places waiting for an alternate mode of transportation. A few autorikshaws that were operating were charging huge amount for even a short distance.
The strike has been called by the unions of autorikshaws and Vikrams, who are demanding to allow free movement between Ghaziabad and Noida and also to ease various regulations imposed on them by the administration. The unions are also demanding that the Ghaziabad Nagar Nigam should stop their drive against illegal parking of the autorikshaws and that the auto driver should be provided a separate counter for getting driving licences. Apart from these, they also want the administration to allow them to carry 8 passengers in Vikrams and 5 passengers in autorikshaws
The transport department data shows that about 2,200 Vikrams and around 12,000 three-wheelers operate in Ghaziabad. Most of these vehicles are on strike since last three days and those which are operating are charging exorbitant amount to the commuters. The worst affected are the office goers and students. People could be heard complaining about the massive amount being charged to them by the sporadic autorikshaws operating in the city.
The auto drivers later in the day had talks with the district administration and decided to call off the strike from Thursday. The auto operators said that their several demands have been accepted and the three-wheelers would operate normally from Thursday.
