Click to play videoMumbai: The nationwide transporters’ strike is set to go on indefinitely. With over eight lakh transport vehicles off the roads in Maharashtra, the supply of industrial goods and essential commodities in Mumbai might be affected in the coming days.
“Due to economic meltdown, production is low and that is why transporters are affected, so we are looking for a bailout package from the Government,” says Bombay Good Transport Association spokesperson Mahendra Arya.
Apart from the bailout, the transporters have also demanded –
- A Rs 10 reduction in diesel prices and uniform four per cent VAT.
- Reduction of tyre prices by 35 per cent.
- National permit fees to be reduced from Rs 5000 to 1500.
- Service tax exemption to be granted to the transport industry.
- Increasing cash expense ceiling to Rs 1 lakh.
- Waiver of toll taxes until the toll committee report is finalized.
Meanwhile, truck drivers find themselves stranded on truck terminals on the outskirts of the city.
Transporters say that negotiations with the Government have already begun.
The supply of grains and spices will last for another 10 days in Maharashtra. But the supply of perishable commodities like vegetables and fruits might be affected from Tuesday itself. However, some transporters have said that they will continue supplying milk and newspapers.
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