Chandigarh, Jan 20 (IANS): Public transport across Haryana was severely affected Monday after Haryana Roadways employees went on strike.

The four-day strike, called by the Haryana Roadways Employees Association, was largely successful in most districts, according to reports.

The association had given the strike call in support of its demands and had refused to heed an appeal by the state government to call it off.

The association is demanding cancellation of lucrative route permits to private bus operators across Haryana being given by the Bhupinder Singh Hooda-led government in the state. They are also seeking regularisation of contract employees and other perks.

Over 19,000 employees are participating in the strike, association leaders claimed.

State transport buses were not plying owing to the strike call, leaving tens of thousands of passengers in the lurch.

At most places, the employees started the strike at midnight but the major effect was felt only when people, especially office-goers, kept waiting for the buses.

As a result, private buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws had a field day as they fleeced passengers.

"I had to reach Panipat from Ambala for an important meeting but I was stranded at the bus stand. I had to take a private taxi for Rs.500 to reach there. The passengers are being harassed in this stand-off between the roadways employees and the state government," a harried passenger, Madan Lal Sharma, of Ambala told IANS.

In some districts, the administration tried to get some buses to ply on some routes in the wee hours of Monday. This was done mostly with newly recruited staff.

In Rohtak town, nearly 40 employees' union leaders were detained, union general secretary Dharambir Singh claimed.

Union leaders said the strike was peaceful.

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