Truck drivers began an indefinite strike across Rajasthan from Monday midnight against the implementation of new regulations, such as costly vehicle location tracking devices (VLTDs), permits and e-detection challenges.
The Rajasthan Trucking Sangharsh Samiti, an umbrella organization for truck drivers, said the government had failed to create the necessary infrastructure to implement the regulations, causing difficulties for operators and vehicle owners.
It claimed that about 10,000 trucks had gone on strike, and warned that it could disrupt supplies of cement, steel, groceries, agricultural products and other essential goods if talks with the government failed.
The Samiti vowed to continue the agitation until their concerns are addressed. She said a limited number of companies have been allowed to install VLTDs and each unit is reported to cost up to $30,000. Similar devices have been available in other states for about a year, the Samiti said $3000. The transport companies demanded that more companies be allowed to install the devices and that the government immediately issue standard operating procedures to implement the new regulations.
VLTD is a GPS-based tracking system that allows the vehicle’s location, speed, trajectory and movement to be monitored in real time. The device has become mandatory for certain categories of commercial vehicles.
Transporters said the government continued to operate with a temporary permit system, but did little to address the challenges faced by long-distance freight carriers. They say trucks traveling from Rajasthan to states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Assam are required to pay taxes and obtain permits in multiple states, which greatly increases operating costs. Carriers said they often issue electronic disclosure letters, which increases their financial burden.
The strike was supported by the Logistics and Transport Operators Association, Jaipur Transport Operators Association, Vishwakarma Transport Federation, Jaipur Barchon Transport Federation and All Rajasthan Bus Operators Association.
Challenges of e-detection, problems in VLTD installation, and permit system are negatively impacting the transport sector, said Bhairulal Sharma, president of the samiti.
Jagdish Chaudhary, president of Vishwakarma Transport Association, said that transport companies are not opposed to the installation of VLTDs but the non-availability of authorized devices. “The government has made VLTDs mandatory, but the authorized vendors do not have enough devices. As a result, fitness certificates, permits and other basic formalities for thousands of trucks are delayed,” he said.
He added that the government should first ensure adequate supplies of devices and simplify the process before strictly enforcing the rules.
