Guwahati: Green buses go off roads in city amid rental hike protests

Staff Reporter

Guwahati: Guwahati witnessed a major disruption in public transport on Wednesday as nearly 100 green buses remained off the roads due to a protest by drivers and conductors. The protesters have accused Multitech, the operating company, of exploitation and unfair practices.

In response, the agitated drivers and conductors gathered at the ASTC office in Rupnagar, where they parked their buses and staged a protest demanding an immediate reduction in daily rental charges. They vowed to continue the strike until their demands were met.

According to the protestors, ASTC has drastically increased the daily rental fee for a single Green Bus, reaching up to Rs 7,500—an amount they claim is unaffordable. Those unable to pay the fixed rental amount allegedly face salary deductions, further intensifying their grievances.

Speaking to the media, a driver said, “They are frequently increasing the daily rent of the buses on different routes. Buses running to Khanapara via GS Road are asked to pay Rs 6,800. Those running to Beltola via GS Road are charged Rs 7,200, and buses operating from Khanapara to Mirza are charged Rs 7,300. It is impossible to meet this target in a single day. If we fail to pay the rental amount, our salaries are deducted.”

He further added, “Initially, we were promised a salary of Rs 18,000, but later, they told us we would receive Rs 15,000. Now, we get only Rs 12,000. With such a small salary, if more deductions are made, how much will we be left with?”

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