India: Ongoing nationwide protests and strikes by transport associations to continue through at least Jan. 4

Ongoing nationwide protests and strikes by several transport associations led by the All India Motor Transport Congress will continue through at least Jan. 4. A related rally is scheduled to occur at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi Jan. 3; some fuel transporters' groups have also threatened an indefinite strike from Jan. 4. The action is to denounce an upcoming revision to the Motor Vehicles Act, which activists perceive will disproportionately penalize vehicle operators in hit-and-run cases. Organizers may call off the action at short notice if negotiations with government officials succeed.

The action has caused significant disruptions and sporadic violence, especially in states with high participation, such as Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Oil tanker, private bus, taxi, and auto-rickshaw services are the worst affected. Alternative public transport services will likely face crowding and long wait times due to increased demand until the strikes end; employees may experience difficulties in reaching workplaces, especially in urban centers. Further supply chain disruptions affecting commodities, including food and fuel, and related business disruptions are likely over the coming days in significantly affected states.

Demonstrations, including the blockade of the Pune-Solapur section of National Highway (NH) 65, NH 39 in Madhya Pradesh State, the Mumbai-Agra section of NH 52, and the Agra-Delhi route along NH 17, have caused disruptions and clashes between police and activists; additional protests such as roadblocks, sit-ins, and marches are likely. Strike supporters have also reportedly blocked and/or attacked non-participating vehicles.

Authorities will probably continue a heightened security posture at and around popular protest sites, especially in state capitals and urban centers in northern Indian states, including key interstate highways, government buildings, major traffic intersections, and public squares. Further clashes between protesters and security personnel are possible.