
Wed Jul 02 03:26:42 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Truck and goods carriage vehicles in Maharashtra, India, are launching an indefinite strike from midnight of July 2, 2025, to protest the e-challan system for traffic violations and other demands. The Vahatukdar Bachao Kruti Sanghatana, representing transporters, is leading the strike. While essential goods transport will continue, the strike could disrupt other deliveries. Bus operators have postponed their participation after a request from the Chief Minister due to the upcoming Ashadi Ekadashi festival. The state government has formed a committee to address the transporters’ grievances. Transporters are demanding cancellation of old e-challans, waiver of penalties, and reconsideration of certain rules.
**News Article:**
**Maharashtra Truck Strike to Disrupt Goods Transport Over E-Challan Dispute**
**Mumbai, July 2, 2025** – Lakhs of trucks and goods carriage vehicles across Maharashtra are set to begin an indefinite strike starting tonight, protesting the state’s e-challan system for traffic violations. The strike, organized by the Vahatukdar Bachao Kruti Sanghatana, threatens to disrupt the flow of goods across the state.
While essential items like milk, vegetables, and medicines will be exempt, the strike is expected to significantly impact other industries. Transporters cite harassment from enforcement agencies and the burden of accumulating fines as their primary grievances. They are demanding the cancellation of e-challans older than six months, a waiver of existing penalties, and a review of regulations concerning heavy vehicles.
Bus operators, including those transporting school children, initially planned to join the strike but have postponed their participation until July 6th following a request from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Chief Minister cited concerns about inconveniencing pilgrims participating in the Ashadi Ekadashi festival.
In response to the impending strike, the Maharashtra government has formed a 10-member committee, led by Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar, to investigate the transporters’ concerns. The committee is expected to submit its report within a month.
“The government did not invite us for any meeting. The recovery process by authorities has become aggressive and is disrupting business operations,” said Uday Barge, convener of the action committee. Transporters also expressed support from the All India Motor Transport Congress.
The situation remains tense as negotiations continue. The strike’s impact on the state’s economy and supply chains is yet to be fully determined.