Delhi’s public bus network remained severely disrupted on September 19 as the DTC drivers’ strike over daily wages, medical facilities and overtime payments entered its fifth day, leaving most buses off the roads despite assurances from the Delhi government.
The disruption has affected daily commuters across the capital, with drivers at several depots, including Nand Nagri, Rani Khera, Rajghat, Nehru Place, Burari, Wazirpur, Ghumanhera and Sarita Vihar, continuing their protest. The strike is centred on demands related to wage increases, medical facilities and payment for overtime work.
The Delhi Transport Corporation had earlier directed its permanent drivers to be deployed temporarily to address the shortage created by the strike. However, the measure has had limited effect because a large number of electric buses are operated by private companies, according to the report. Many of those buses remained off the roads while the protest continued.
Lalit Chaudhary, president of the DTC Karamchari Ekta Union, said the deployment of permanent drivers would not significantly improve services because the number of striking drivers was much higher. “Some buses are on the roads but most of us are on strike,” he said.
The union president also alleged that some protesters were being forced to work through threats by the administration. Drivers claimed that a window at the Bawana depot had been broken, and alleged that it was done to portray the striking workers as responsible for disorder. These allegations were reported as claims by the protesting drivers.
The drivers and conductors said they were paid ₹862 a day, of which ₹60 was deducted towards the provident fund. They said the strike would continue because private companies operating buses had not provided assurances on salary increases.
The disruption highlights the operational dependence of Delhi’s bus network on a mix of DTC staff and private operators, particularly for electric buses. The DTC’s attempt to use permanent drivers has therefore not restored normal service across the system. The immediate next step remains the administration’s engagement with the protesting workers and private bus operators over wages, facilities and overtime payments.
