Mumbai: An NCP-led autorickshaw union in Mumbai has gone on strike demanding a hike in minimum fare. The action by Sharad Rao's Mumbai Autorickshawmen's Union (MAU) came despite a Re 1 hike on minimum fare - from Rs 11 to Rs 12 - permitted by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) last week.

Over 20,000 autos owing allegiance to the MAU went off the roads from midnight while the unions commanded by Congress, Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena opposed the strike.

The other unions, despite a low strength compared to MAU, attempted to fill the void by offering services to the commuters, including shared trips to clear the morning peak hour rush.

However, commuters had to wait in long, serpentine queues at BEST bus stops, while students, many appearing for their final examinations, had to sacrifice an hour of study to ensure they reached exam centres on time.

The short supply created by the strike was diverted to BEST buses, which were crowded despite extra buses deployed to counter the agitation.