Transport unions blamed both the centre and the Delhi government for strike.

Many schools in the national capital are closed today as a transport body, comprising 41 associations and unions, called for a one-day strike to protest against the steep hike in traffic fines under the amended Motor Vehicles (MV) Act.

Office-goers faced problems to reach their workplaces as buses, autos, tempos, maxi-cabs and taxis -- including Ola and Uber -- in the Delhi-NCR region remained off roads. Delhi suburb towns like Noida and Faridabad were also affected by the transport strike.

Airlines such as Vistara, IndiGo, SpiceJet and GoAir have asked fliers to report well in advance.

Transport unions blamed both the centre and the Delhi government for strike. The sector is passing through its worst phase because of "rising economic uncertainties, exorbitant taxes and penalties and corruption", they said.

The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, which came into effect on September 1, made several changes to traffic fines, toughening the penalty for violations like not wearing a seat belt, jumping red light and drunk driving.

Here are the live updates on the transport strike in Delhi:

Sep 19, 2019 13:21 (IST) Delhi #strike | Groups of protesting workers seen stopping cabs and autorickshaws on Delhi roads.



Transport workers are protesting the steep hike in the new traffic fines.



Live updates: https://t.co/yrbrtwgx4ipic.twitter.com/9xM6ADkEBk - NDTV (@ndtv) September 19, 2019

Sep 19, 2019 13:08 (IST)

Sep 19, 2019 13:06 (IST) The federation leaders demanded withdrawing of the provisions of the amended act such as steeply hiked penalties and limiting liability of insurer to Rs. 5 lakh. They also demanded perks such as insurance and medical facilities, and an increase in free parking times at airports and train stations.

Driving without a seat-belt can now invite a fine of Rs. 1,000, which was earlier Rs. 100. Use of mobile while driving can invite a fine between Rs. 1,000-5,000. For drunk driving, the fine has been hiked from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 10,000.

Sep 19, 2019 13:03 (IST) Delhi suburb towns like Noida and Faridabad were also affected by the transport strike.

Sep 19, 2019 12:54 (IST) Parents were intimated about school closure through SMSes



Many parents received SMSs from schools intimating them about the closure in view of the day-long strike.

A message from GD Salwan Public school read: "Dear parent, on account of the strike called by private transporters under the banner of the United Front of Transport Association in Delhi/NCR, the school shall remain closed for the students of classes nursery, KG and 10th on 19/09/2019."

Delhi Public School, Mathura Road, also remained shut and many other schools closed for the day following the poor attendance of the students.

Sep 19, 2019 11:13 (IST) 50 unions in Delhi-NCR taking part in the strike: UFTA





United Front of Transport Associations (UFTA) general secretary Shyamlal Gola said over 50 transport associations and unions in Delhi-NCR are taking part in the strike.

Sep 19, 2019 10:33 (IST) UFTA is demanding withdrawal of the steep hike in road traffic penalties



The UFTA demanded withdrawing of the provisions of the amended act such as steeply hiked penalties and limiting liability of insurer to Rs. 5 lakh. They also demanded perks such as insurance and medical facilities, and an increase in free parking times at airports and train stations.

Sep 19, 2019 10:32 (IST) Delhi transport strike: Office-goers face difficulties in reaching their workplaces



Office-goers faced difficulties in reaching their workplaces on Thursday morning as several private buses, taxis and autorickshaws remained off the roads due to the strike. "We waited for 15 minutes but the bus did not come. So we are taking the metro now," Lal, whose office is at the CGO complex, said.

Sep 19, 2019 10:31 (IST) Transport unions blamed both the centre and the Delhi government for strike. The sector is passing through its worst phase because of "rising economic uncertainties, exorbitant taxes and penalties and corruption", they said.