The operators are protesting against what they termed “unjust and oppressive actions” by the transport department, alleging that heavy challans are being imposed despite compliance with bus body norms. Tension escalated Tuesday afternoon at Sindhi Camp when inspectors from RTO Jaipur (II) reached the bus stand following complaints that private operators were preventing Lok Parivahan buses from operating. Officials said some striking operators were forcing passengers to deboard buses, triggering an argument. Rajesh Chaudhary, inspector, RTO Jaipur (II), said, “Those on strike were forcibly disembarking passengers. We received a complaint about this and reached Sindhi Camp bus stand. As we tried to stop them, it led to an argument with bus operators. We told bus operators not to stop those who want to run their buses.” The operators also warned that they may not provide buses for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally in Ajmer on Feb 28 if their demands are not met. Rajendra Sharma, president of Rajasthan Contract Carriage Bus Operators Association, said operators were called for talks for the second consecutive day Tuesday, but their demands were rejected over discrepancies in data related to suspended RCs. Another round of talks with transport officials is scheduled for Wednesday. Sharma said the strike led to refunds of nearly Rs 20 crore for pre-booked sleeper tickets in a single day.
