Cabbies' protest, jams continue

Cab drivers’ protest threw traffic out of gear for the second consecutive day on Tuesday even as the Delhi government said it was inviting suggestions from taxi unions to chalk out a plan to phase out diesel cabs plying under the city taxi scheme.

Agitating cabbies on Tuesday blocked traffic at various places, including key roads connecting the city to neighbouring Noida and Gurgaon. They have been protesting since Monday, following the Supreme Court's decision to ban diesel cabs in Delhi.

Cab drivers blocked the Delhi-Noida Direct (DND) flyway for about 45 minutes, forcing thousands of morning commuters to sweat it out in the sweltering heat. According to the traffic police, traffic crawled near Radisson Blu Plaza on National Highway 8 that connects Delhi and Gurgaon, due to the demonstrations.

The congestion eased only after noon.

Later in the day, the Delhi government moved the Supreme Court seeking relaxation from court order on immediately banning diesel cabs.

Transport Minister Gopal Rai said the government will invite suggestions from taxi unions before presenting a detailed phase-out plan before the apex court on Thursday.