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Politics
Delhi Government Invokes ESMA to Ban Bus Strikes for Six Months
✍️ NDTV
🗓 30 Sep 2026, 06:48 AM
👁 13
The Delhi administration has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act, prohibiting bus drivers from striking for the next six months, aiming to ease commuter woes.
The Delhi government has formally invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prohibit any strike action by bus operators for a period of six months. The move comes after a series of intermittent bus strikes that disrupted daily commuting for thousands of residents across the capital.
Under the ESMA order, all bus services classified as essential are barred from withdrawing or reducing services as a form of protest. The ban applies to both public and private bus operators functioning within the National Capital Territory.
Authorities said the decision aims to ensure uninterrupted public transport, which is vital for the city’s workforce, students and senior citizens. The government has warned that any violation of the order will attract penal action as stipulated under the act.
Commuters have welcomed the announcement, noting that the prolonged strikes had caused significant inconvenience and loss of productivity. The transport department will monitor compliance and has asked operators to resume normal schedules immediately.
Under the ESMA order, all bus services classified as essential are barred from withdrawing or reducing services as a form of protest. The ban applies to both public and private bus operators functioning within the National Capital Territory.
Authorities said the decision aims to ensure uninterrupted public transport, which is vital for the city’s workforce, students and senior citizens. The government has warned that any violation of the order will attract penal action as stipulated under the act.
Commuters have welcomed the announcement, noting that the prolonged strikes had caused significant inconvenience and loss of productivity. The transport department will monitor compliance and has asked operators to resume normal schedules immediately.