As the protests against the Hit-and-Run law entered the second day in Rajasthan, the situation escalated with widespread disruptions across several cities. Drivers and transport associations intensified their demonstrations, bringing truck and bus operations to a standstill. The Jaipur City Mini Bus Union, on the second day of the protest, announced the suspension of mini-buses in staunch opposition to the controversial law. Adding to the chaos, Tempo-Magic services on various routes in the capital will be suspended for 24 hours from Wednesday night.
Protest turned violent in the Kekri district of Rajasthan where a mob burnt a police vehicle and pelted stones at security personnel, leaving three injured, police said on Tuesday.
The Truck and Trailer Association, along with private bus operators and taxi drivers, joined the strike, significantly impacting daily life. The protest triggered shortages of essential goods, including fruits, vegetables, milk, and petrol, in major cities, including Jaipur.
Rajesh, the president of the Taxi Union, declared that all unions in Ajmer unanimously decided that no commercial vehicles would operate in Ajmer on Wednesday. He emphasized that the strike would be voluntary, assuring that no vehicle would be forcibly stopped, and there would be no sit-in demonstrations. Rajesh warned that if the central government does not reconsider the provisions of the Hit-and-Run law within ten days, the agitation would be intensified.
In Bijaynagar, near Kishangarh on the Bhilwara-Kishangarh National Highway, vehicle drivers disrupted the highway, causing long queues of vehicles due to the blockade.
Monday night witnessed a jam on the Kishangarh-Bhilwara National Highway near the Bhinay police station area. Drivers demanded the withdrawal of what they referred to as “black laws” of the central government. The demonstration escalated into clashes between the crowd and police officers. The unruly crowd chased the police and engaged in stone-pelting. Police personnel managed to escape with difficulty, and additional forces, including senior officials, arrived to assess the situation. The agitated crowd set a government vehicle on fire, and vandalism occurred at a private hotel.
As a result of the ongoing protests, petrol pump operators in most cities claimed that petrol supplies were only available until Tuesday evening. Empty pumps became a common sight as petrol and diesel tankers were unable to reach due to the strike.
Nathamal Didel, the director of roadways, took feedback on disrupted routes due to highway jams and protests from all major managers on Tuesday. He instructed continuous monitoring of bus operations to ensure passenger safety and uninterrupted services. Anita Meena, the executive director (transport) of the corporation, acknowledged delays in bus operations due to jams and protests in various locations.
She clarified that although there have been delays, corporation bus drivers have not participated in the strike. The corporation is making efforts to operate buses through alternative routes to ensure comfortable and safe travel for passengers. Similar efforts are underway to maintain the operation of the corporation’s interstate buses amidst the ongoing turmoil.