The bus strike in Indore by the drivers and the conductors of the city buses had hit 55,000 commuters today. The passengers use the city buses to reach the colleges, offices and schools on a daily basis but they have been put to inconvenience after the 90 odd buses have been staying off the roads from the past few days.

The bus operator has been subjected to a Rs 5.5 lakh per day and the total amount till Monday evening stands at Rs 9.50 lakh. The drivers and conductors have boycotted their duties since Sunday evening after having a few differences with the operators. The dirvers and conductors demanded that Rakesh Chouhan, a conductor who had been suspended be reinstated.

The buses plied only on Indore-Pithampur-Rau and Musakhedi-Chandan Nagar route on Monday.

Labor Union's Ma Devi Ahilya Karmkar Karmchari Union, an association of 150 conductors and 225 drivers pressed for the old demand as well. It is to be noted that in July this year the union affiliated to All India Trade Union (AITU) had submitted 17 point charter of demands which includes salary hike, release of bonus and leave sanctions.

Atal Indore City Transport Services Ltd (AICTSL), the regulatory body for the buses in the city had mentioned that the discussions would be held on Monday with the representative of the labor department but they had not agreed on a conclusion yet.

(AW- Anil)