Gadkari welcomes end of truckers' strike

Nagpur: Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari yesterday hailed the All India Motor Transport Congress's decision to call off its strike.

Talking to the media here, Gadkari said he and the finance minister were in constant discussions with the transport unions in this regard.

"People were facing problems due to the transport unions' strike. We had success (in finding a breakthrough) in our discussions with the transport unions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also guided us in our talks with the unions," he added.

"I want to assure the transport unions that the government will take positive steps towards their demands discussed during our meetings and we regret the problems faced by the public due to the strike," Gadkari said.

The government will notify a national permit scheme for tourist vehicles to facilitate seamless movement of such vehicles across the country, he added.

"There will also be seamless traffic movement at the toll nakas within the next six months. Trucks will be allowed to



move in less than three minutes at the toll nakas and they will be given fast-track stickers.

"The government will also explore the possibility of providing health services under the ESIC to the drivers and co-workers of commercial vehicles. It will also look into the feasibility of extending the coverage of the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana to the drivers and co-workers of commercial vehicles," Gadkari said.

A high-level committee under the chairmanship of the secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways will be set up for expeditious resolution of transporters' demands, he said, adding that the panel will submit its recommendations to the government within three months.

The truckers' body that claims the support of 93 lakh truckers across the country had gone on an indefinite strike on July 20 to press demands such as reduction in diesel prices, low third-party insurance premiums and a favourable toll collection system.