The indefinite chakka bandh, called by the All Assam Motor Transport Association (AAMTA), started on Monday in the state in support of their demands in the wake of the COVID19 pandemic.
Assam transport minister Chandramohan Patowary has reportedly called for a meeting with the Association on Tuesday.
According to reports, the Association is likely to stage a protest in front of Janata Bhawan at Dispur on the day.
AAMTA has demanded an increase in transport fares, including bus fares in view of the COVID19 pandemic.
Also read: Assam motor transport association calls for indefinite Chakka Bandh from Oct 5
The AATMA on Friday said they have been compelled to take the step in view of the crisis faced by them due to the COVID19 pandemic and subsequent nationwide lockdown.
The Association alleged that the government has increased the prices of various essential commodities and even petrol and diesel, however, it has turned a blind eye towards the repeated demands of the association to increase transport fares.
“The fuel price has increased. The government has ordered to carry 50% of passengers. We should be allowed to carry 100% passengers or the fares must be hiked,” a member of the Association earlier said.
The Association claimed that buses, trackers, e-rickshaws, etc. have been providing service amidst the pandemic by carrying 50% of passengers, which is a major loss for them, but the government has not come to any decision regarding the increase in fares of city buses, trackers and e-rickshaws.
Meanwhile, Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) has decided to run 250 city buses in Guwahati and 650 buses across the state to transport the passengers during the chakka bandh period.