Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Malda Bus Strike Enters Seventh Day as Auto Drivers Protest
Private buses in Malda have stopped operating for seven days.
Bus owners say modern electric rickshaws, called Bande Bharat autos, are taking away their passengers.
They also say some of these vehicles are operating without permission.
Auto drivers say bus workers attacked them and damaged some of their vehicles.
Hundreds of auto drivers protested in Manikchak on Sunday.
They asked MLA Gour Chandra Mondal to help them.
The MLA said he would work to help them operate while following the rules.
Officials are expected to bring both groups together to try to end the dispute.
Private bus operators in Malda continued their strike for a seventh day over competition from Bande Bharat autos and other vehicles.
Bus owners alleged that the autos were operating illegally and reducing passenger numbers, while saying the administration had not acted effectively.
Bande Bharat auto drivers alleged that private bus drivers, conductors and helpers assaulted them and vandalised vehicles near ITI More on Saturday.
Hundreds of auto drivers protested in Manikchak on Sunday and demonstrated outside MLA Gour Chandra Mondal’s residence.
The administration is expected to meet both sides to seek a settlement and restore normal transport services on affected routes.
- Who
- Private bus operators and Bande Bharat auto drivers, with intervention sought from Manikchak MLA Gour Chandra Mondal.
- What
- A seven-day private bus strike has been followed by a protest by auto drivers over alleged attacks, vehicle vandalism and competition for passengers.
- When
- The bus strike had continued for seven days; the auto drivers’ protest took place on Sunday after an alleged attack on Saturday.
- Where
- The dispute involves routes in Malda district, with the alleged attack near ITI More in Malda town and the protest in Manikchak.
- Why
- Bus operators cite lost passengers and alleged illegal vehicle operations, while auto drivers seek protection and the ability to work without alleged attacks.
Private Bus Operators
Bande Bharat Auto Drivers
Passenger competition
Private Bus Operators
Bus owners say Bande Bharat autos and other vehicles are taking passengers away from private buses, contributing to their losses.
Bande Bharat Auto Drivers
Auto drivers seek the ability to continue operating and say the dispute is affecting their daily earnings.
Vehicle legality
Private Bus Operators
Bus operators allege that the autos and other vehicles are operating illegally and accuse the administration of failing to take effective action.
Bande Bharat Auto Drivers
The MLA assured auto drivers that steps would be taken to help them operate smoothly while following administrative rules.
Recent violence
Private Bus Operators
The articles report allegations from auto drivers that bus drivers, conductors and helpers attacked them and damaged vehicles; the bus side’s response to those allegations is not provided.
Bande Bharat Auto Drivers
Auto drivers say the alleged assault and vandalism near ITI More prompted their protest and are seeking intervention to prevent further clashes.
- Strike duration
- Private bus operators had been on strike for the seventh consecutive day.
- Protesting group
- Hundreds of Bande Bharat auto drivers demonstrated in Manikchak.
- Alleged incident
- Auto drivers said private bus drivers, conductors and helpers assaulted them and vandalised vehicles near ITI More.
- Bus operators’ allegation
- They said Bande Bharat autos and other vehicles were reducing passenger numbers and operating illegally.
- Political intervention
- Protesters demonstrated outside the residence of Manikchak MLA Gour Chandra Mondal.
- Proposed response
- The administration is expected to hold discussions with representatives of both groups.