Taxi strike commences in Kolkata over fare hike

Kolkata, July 15 : The Bengal Taxi Association is observing a day long token strike here over a demand to raise the existing travel fare by Rs 6, to offset high diesel prices.

The association has also threatened to remove all taxis from the streets indefinitely if the government does not meet this demand by July 30.

Bengal Taxi Association president Bimal Guha said: "We have decided to hold this one day token strike against the government''s negligence to look into our grievances."

"The association would wait till July 30 and if the government did not meet the demands, an indefinite strike would be called, Guha added.

The minimum taxi fare is Rs.22 now, but if the taxi association''s demand is accepted then the commuters will have to shell out at least Rs.28 over ride.

The Central Government has hiked the prices of petrol by Rs.3.50 per litre. It has also hiked the price of diesel by Rs.2 a litre, kerosene by Rs.3 a litre and cooking gas by Rs.35 per cylinder.