Haryana Roadways staff call off strike: Minister

Chandigarh, April 13 : Haryana Roadways staff have decided to call off their indefinite strike after parleys with the government over their demands, a minister said on Thursday.

The government will frame a new transport policy after incorporating suggestions from the Regional Transport Authority and roadways staff union office bearers, Transport Minister Krishan Lal Panwar said here.

Panwar held talks with leaders of roadways employee unions after their strike from April 10 crippled state-run public transport and caused harassment and inconvenience to lakhs of commuters.

He told the media that as many as 853 private buses operating on 273 routes in Haryana will continue to ply as usual. 

"Permit holders of private buses will have to allow travel to persons falling in 39 categories like freedom fighters and students who are allowed free or discounted travel on state roadways buses. If any operator refuses to let them travel, strict action will be initiated," Panwar said.

He said the suspension of 120 striking employees would be revoked.

Over 13 lakh people travel daily in nearly 4,200 Haryana Roadways buses, including luxury Volvo buses, on intra- and inter-state routes.