Approximately 40,000-odd taxis are to remain off the roads today following a strike call by several Left-backed drivers' unions.
The strike is expected to extend till Thursday if police resort to any action against the agitating drivers, the unions have so threatened.
The strike has been called to protest alleged indifference by the State Government to the problems faced by these drivers.
Among the demands that the unions have, the primary one is scrapping of a fine of ₹ 3,000 on drivers for refusing to ferry passengers. The demand is that police impose a fine of ₹ 100 only.
Refusal to ferry passengers in the city has been a major problem, until the State Government makes it mandatory that taxis cannot refuse to ferry passengers.
This apart, the unions are also demanding a hike in fares. The State Government has recently hiked the bus fares by ₹ 1, across all stages.
Already, the city has witnessed three wildcat strikes by these drivers' unions in August. Some arrests have also been made in this regard.