Kolkata, Dec 3 (IANS): Normal life was affected here on Thursday as more than 40,000 taxis stayed off the roads, with taxi unions pressing for a fare hike.

The strike will continue till Friday.

Commuters were stranded at key intersections, including at the airport and Howrah railway station, with taxi drivers refusing to ply in Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal, including Howrah district following the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU)-sponsored strike. 

The Bengal Taxi Association has also supported the two-day strike.

Public buses were packed to capacity and many commuters opted for the metro. 

The state government pressed extra buses into service to deal with the strike.

In addition to revising the fare structure, the taxi operators' unions are also protesting against the state government's decision to give more permits to radio cab operators and private players.

CITU leader Anadi Sahu said the operators' unions have repeatedly apprised Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of the situation but she has ignored their demands.