Mumbai Autorickshaw Strike Over Marathi Rule Affects Commuters in Andheri

Commuters and office-goers in Andheri and several other parts of Mumbai faced transit disruptions as autorickshaw drivers continued a three-day strike over the implementation of the state government's Marathi language requirement.

The ongoing strike has impacted daily travel across multiple neighbourhoods in the city, including Andheri, Bandra, Kandivali, Govandi, Vakola, Kurla, and Santacruz, leaving passengers searching for alternative transport.

The protest comes as auto and taxi unions seek additional time for drivers to comply with the mandated Marathi language rule. Union leaders have officially demanded a three-month extension period to allow drivers to adapt to the regulation.

In addition to seeking more time, the unions have requested that authorities suspend punitive action against autorickshaw drivers during the transition period.

Shashank Rao, the president of the Mumbai Autorickshaw-Taximen's Union, stated that drivers must be given adequate time to learn Marathi and complete the required process without fearing for their livelihoods.

With thousands of drivers participating in the strike across the city, the ongoing dispute highlights the balancing act between enforcing the state's language criteria and safeguarding the livelihood of drivers operating across the metropolitan area.