Truck operators on strike for seven days have agreed to call off their protest after the government promised to consider their demands. The All India Motor Transport Congress had called the strike to press Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to reduce taxes on fuel, roll back higher insurance premiums and cut highway tolls.
The truck drivers’ union said it had the support of hundreds of thousands of members in the campaign which has seen vehicles stranded at borders and fears that food prices could rise because of shortages.
According to a senior road ministry official, transporters’ body All India Motor Transport Congress and the road ministry would soon issue a joint statement regarding the same. Transporter union representatives met the central government officials on Friday.
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The transporters’ strike across the country had sent prices soaring in the south and western regions though north India saw normal cargo handling. Delivery of online retail companies like Amazon besides traditional retailers were impacted.
The MoRTH has also said that it would put in place a mechanism using technology-based solutions to ensure seamless movement of transport vehicles across toll plazas within 6 months. “The Government will look into the feasibility of extending coverage of Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana to the drivers and co-workers of commercial vehicles. The Government will also explore the possibility of providing health services under ESIC to the drivers and co-workers of commercial vehicles,” the joint statement said.
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