In a significant development, transport unions across the State’s Garhwal Division have announced a one-day road blockade (chakka jam) on October 29 (Wednesday). The protest has been called to press for long-pending demands related to vehicle taxes, load capacity rules, and fitness certification delays.
Our correspondent reports that the call for the blockade was issued by the Garhwal Transport Federation, with strong support from regional and district transport associations across Dehradun, Pauri, Tehri, and Rudraprayag. Representatives said all trucks, dumpers, taxis, e-rickshaws, and commercial vehicles would remain off the roads during the protest.
According to the unions, the strike follows repeated but unproductive meetings with the state transport department. Their key demands include the revision of road tax slabs, immediate clearance of pending vehicle fitness approvals, and policy reforms for trucks operating under interstate permits.
Our correspondent adds that union leaders held a joint meeting in Rishikesh on Monday under the chairmanship of Tehri Garhwal Motor Owners’ Union (TGMO) president Jitendra Negi. During the meeting, participants accused the department of ignoring their 10-point charter of demands despite several written reminders.
Union leaders said the blockade is a last resort after assurances from the government failed to materialise. The protest is expected to disrupt the movement of goods and public transport services across the Garhwal region. They have appealed to citizens for cooperation, stating that their intent is to highlight long-standing issues faced by the transport community.
Our correspondent reports that the list of demands includes revocation of the recent tax hike on commercial vehicles older than 15 years, reinstatement of manual fitness inspections at regional transport offices, and immediate replacement of faulty testing equipment at Automated Testing Stations (ATS). Transporters have also demanded that the government restrict the operation of vehicles under parts-permit arrangements, which they allege harm registered operators.
Officials in the Transport Department confirmed receiving the unions’ memorandum and said discussions were underway. However, they refrained from giving any assurance that the strike would be averted. The department stated that several demands involve amendments to existing transport regulations and require higher-level approval.
Our correspondent adds that district administrations in Dehradun and Tehri Garhwal have been alerted to maintain law and order during the protest. Police deployment along national highways and bus terminals has been increased, and additional traffic personnel will be stationed at major junctions to manage congestion.
Transporters have clarified that essential services such as ambulances, milk tankers, and fire vehicles will be exempted from the blockade. However, normal passenger and freight movement is expected to be severely affected. Authorities have advised commuters to plan their travel accordingly and avoid unnecessary movement during the strike hours.
Union spokespersons expressed disappointment over the lack of written commitments from the government. They stated that their members have cooperated patiently for months, but continued administrative delays have forced them to take this collective stand.
Our correspondent reports that similar protests are likely to spread to the Kumaon region if the government does not respond within a stipulated timeframe. Transport associations in Haldwani and Almora are reportedly monitoring developments in Garhwal and may announce support actions later this week.
The proposed one-day blockade marks a significant escalation in the ongoing standoff between transport unions and the state authorities. It also highlights the growing frustration among vehicle operators over policy inconsistency and inadequate consultation.
The government has appealed to transporters to withdraw the strike and resume dialogue, assuring them that their grievances will be addressed in a time-bound manner. However, as of Tuesday evening, union leaders confirmed that the October 29 chakka jam would proceed as planned.
