Maharashtra Truckers Begin Indefinite Strike Over E‑Challan Penalties
Thousands of truckers across Maharashtra have launched an indefinite strike starting July 1, in protest against what they describe as punitive and arbitrary enforcement of the e‑challan system. The strike, led by the Vahatukdar Bachao Kruti Sanghatana, is impacting the movement of goods vehicles, although operators have clarified that the transport of essential commodities like milk, vegetables, and medicines will not be obstructed.
E‑Challan Protest
Truck, bus, and goods vehicle operators are protesting the aggressive recovery of pending e‑challans—digitally issued traffic violation fines. The truckers have raised several demands, including an immediate halt to coercive recovery practices, cancellation of e‑challans older than six months, and a waiver on outstanding penalties. They are also seeking the removal of the requirement to have a separate cleaner in heavy vehicles and a revision of restricted entry hours in metro areas.
Many drivers and owners claim the automated system has led to excessive penalisation, especially with duplicate or outdated fines being sent without timely notification or the chance to contest them. These accumulating fines have now reached a breaking point, forcing transporters to ground their fleets in protest.
Truckers Strike Impact
The protest is being observed by around 1.5 to 2 lakh vehicle operators across the state. While the initial participation was partial, transport leaders have warned that the impact will grow stronger by the day. In commercial hubs like Kalbadevi in Mumbai, activity has already slowed down. Transporters have resolved to stay off the roads until concrete steps are taken by the government.
Uday Barge, a leader of the protesting group, said the strike would intensify in phases and warned that the movement of non-essential goods would come to a halt if their demands were ignored any longer.
Government Response
The Maharashtra government has taken note of the escalating situation and constituted a 10-member committee headed by the Transport Commissioner. The panel, which also includes traffic police and state transport officials, has been tasked with reviewing the transporters’ grievances and providing a report within a month.
In a move to contain the fallout, the state’s transport minister had earlier instructed officials to eliminate instances of duplicated e‑challans and ensure enforcement measures are fair and time-bound. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also appealed for calm, especially with the upcoming Ashadi Ekadashi pilgrimage. Responding to his request, school bus operators and private bus associations have postponed their participation in the strike for the time being.
However, tensions remain high among transporters who feel that unless firm policy changes are introduced, the e‑challan mechanism will continue to disrupt their livelihoods. With truck operations forming the backbone of Maharashtra’s supply chain, the ongoing strike threatens to choke logistics and add pressure on prices if left unresolved.
