CM-truckers first round meet on transportation rates inconclusive

13 November 2017

The first round meeting between Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and truck owners on the iron ore transportation charges remained inconclusive, as the truck owners declined to accept the rates fixed by government and demanded a further rise in order to make the business profitable.

The chief minister assured proper directions on the transportation issue within a fortnight.

Truck owners from the South, along with MGP MLA Deepak Pawaskar, met Parrikar on Friday evening. The second round of the meeting, with mining companies, will be held on Saturday.

Speaking to media persons, Parrikar said, “I am examining the issue as Director Transport is not in town. In next 10-15 days we will give directions to the issue. Resolving the issue may take longer but clear cut directions will be given.”

Later, Pawaskar said that the meeting remained inconclusive as the truck owners are not ready to accept the rates offered by the government. “The truck owners have said that if not Rs 14 per tonne per kilometer, then the rate must at least be more than Rs 12.50 per tonne per km. The government is examining the issue,” he said.

The government has proposed Rs 2 hike in the iron ore transportation charges as against its earlier rate. As per the new rates, trucks will be paid Rs 12.50 per km per tonne for the first nine kilometers, Rs 12 per km per tonne between 10kms to 20kms and Rs 11.50 kms per ton for above 20 kms.

While the truck owners in North have accepted the rate, the South Goa truck operators are not willing to as they claim that the rates fetch them no profit.

Source: Herald Goa