Truckers' protest begins affecting supply of vegetables, grains in Delhi

A three-day strike by transporters has begun affecting supply chains and goods movement across Delhi. The disruption was visible at major transport and wholesale market hubs in the national capital.

The ground reports revealed that the impact was most evident at Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar, considered one of the largest transport hubs in the country. While nearly 4,000 to 5,000 trucks usually operate from the area every day, several loaded trucks were seen parked along roads during the strike, with drivers waiting for operations to resume.

A truck driver who regularly transports goods from Kashmir said the newly imposed tax-related issues had directly affected their work. “Essential goods are lying stranded inside the transport hub and we do not know how long the situation will continue,” he said.

On Thursday evening, transporters and traders jointly staged protests against the government. Demonstrators marched on roads with bullock carts and raised slogans demanding that their concerns be addressed.

The strike has also started affecting Azadpur Mandi, Asia’s largest fruit and vegetable wholesale market. Tomato trader Mahavir Chauhan said the mandi usually receives five to six truckloads of tomatoes daily, but the blockade has disrupted transportation.

“Trucks are unable to reach the mandi because of the strike. Even the supply of available stock is getting affected since smaller goods vehicles are not operating normally,” he said.

Similar concerns are emerging in Khari Baoli and Naya Bazar grain market, where traders fear prolonged disruption in the supply chain. Delhi Grain Merchant Association vice-president Gaurav Gupta said the rice trade largely depends on supplies coming from Haryana and Punjab.

“If the strike continues for a longer period, it could significantly impact the movement of essential commodities and eventually affect consumers,” Gupta warned.

However, the impact remains relatively limited in Gandhi Nagar Market, one of Asia’s largest wholesale textile markets. Market Association president Naresh Sikka said business activity had already been slow over the past two weeks, reducing the immediate effect of the strike.

Despite this, traders warned that delays in transportation could gradually increase pressure on Delhi’s supply chain if the strike continues.