Kevadiya (Ekta Nagar): Operations of e-buses at the Statue of Unity have come to a standstill as 127 drivers employed by a private operator continue their strike for the fourth consecutive day, causing significant inconvenience to thousands of tourists and commuters visiting the iconic monument.

The e-buses, which serve as the primary mode of transport for visitors travelling from Kevadiya (Ekta Nagar) to the Statue of Unity and other nearby tourist attractions, have remained off the roads since before Uttarayan due to the ongoing protest. A total of 55 e-buses have been rendered non-operational as a result of the strike.

According to the protesting drivers, the agitation stems from disputes with the management over wages and working conditions. The drivers allege that their monthly salary, which was earlier ₹22,000, was first reduced to ₹18,000 and has now been further cut to around ₹13,000–₹14,000. They have also claimed that they are not being provided basic facilities, including overtime pay and other benefits.

Despite multiple discussions over the past few days, no resolution has been reached so far. The prolonged strike has left tourists struggling with transportation, leading to long waits and overcrowding at alternative transit points.

Meanwhile, the issue has begun to take a political turn, with local political leaders visiting the striking drivers daily and voicing support for their demands. However, their intervention has yet to yield any concrete outcome, and the deadlock between the drivers and the private agency continues.

Officials have not yet provided a clear timeline for when services are likely to resume, leaving visitors and local businesses concerned about the impact of the disruption on tourism. DeshGujarat