Shillong, Jan 10: The Meghalaya Commercial Truck Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) has requested the state government to construct adequate laybys along the national highways to alleviate the challenges faced by trucks.
Speaking after the association’s first general meeting of the year, MCTODA President Moslandar Marngar stated, “Trucks cannot ply during daytime, especially in Ri Bhoi, due to imposition of many no-entry restrictions. Trucks trying to reach Assam are forced to park along roadsides in Byrnihat, Ri Bhoi, as both Assam and Meghalaya do not allow parking during restricted times.”
The association has decided to meet with government officials and the Shillong MP to resolve the issue and push for the construction of laybys for proper parking facilities.
Marngar added, “We have realized that the problem has arisen due to lack of laybys in Meghalaya, and the government should consider constructing such facilities”.
The MCTODA has also expressed concern over the present arrangement for loading foodgrains by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), alleging that middlemen are involved, causing losses to truck owners and drivers.
The association plans to meet FCI officials and seek government intervention.
“On this, we have decided to meet FCI officials and will seek the government’s intervention because we had written to the FCI but till now no action has been taken in this regard.”
Regarding transportation rates fixed by cement factories, Marngar thanked the Meghalaya High Court for directing the rate to be fixed at Rs 8, despite cement factories wanting to fix it at Rs 7 and the association demanding Rs 9. The cement factories have called for a meeting with the association to discuss the issue.
“The cement factories have scheduled a meeting with the association in the next couple of days, marking the third meeting aimed at resolving the issue. We are optimistic that this will be the final discussion to settle the matter,” he said.
He also warned, “If the cement factories fail to comply with the court order, we will be forced to consider further action, including filing an appeal in court or organizing protests as part of our democratic rights.”
The MCTODA has warned drivers behaving like middlemen, depriving local trucks of trips, and alleged a lack of transparency at petrol pumps, demanding an end to any malpractices.
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