New Delhi, (IANS) Nearly 1,000 Blueline buses remained off the roads Monday as drivers of the fleet called for an indefinite strike, protesting the strict action taken by the government and police to check the large number of fatal accidents caused by them.
The bus drivers alleged that they were being harassed by the Delhi Police for “minor matters”.
“We will not withdraw our strike until the government and Delhi Police stop victimising innocent bus drivers,” said Manoj Kumar, a Blueline bus driver who was protesting in Punjabi Bagh in west Delhi.
“We can’t drive buses under such tough laws and conditions. The government must direct the police to ease its drive against bus drivers,” Kumar added.
Delhi Transport Minister Haroon Yusuf warned drivers of the privately-owned fleet against going on strike, adding that the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) may also be invoked.
According to bus drivers, almost 1,000 buses plying on busy routes were off the roads Monday.
Since January, Blueline buses have claimed 96 lives and injured over 150. The capital has over 4,000 Blueline buses, which form a crucial part of the city’s public transport system.
Delhi Police had launched a drive against errant Blueline bus drivers after seven people were killed last week when a speeding Blueline mowed them down in south Delhi.
Following the accident, police impounded over 500 buses that were found flouting rules and regulations.
The Delhi High Court too came down heavily on the matter and directed the Delhi government to furnish a phase-out plan for the ‘killer’ fleet.
On Saturday, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had announced that 8,000 new buses would hit the city roads in three years.