Transporters’ strike: Traders incurring Rs 20 cr loss daily

Rudrapur: As the truck operators’ nationwide strike, called by All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), entered sixth day on Wednesday, industrial units and traders are staring at a huge

loss

.

Sources said that over 1,500 trucks ply in and out of the Pantnagar industrial area daily carrying products worth Rs 300. Industrialist Gaurav Arora said that Pantnagar industrial area is incurring losses of Rs 300 crore every day as manufactured goods are not reaching clients. The strike has also affected local traders who are incurring losses of Rs 20 crore daily. Now buses have also joined the strike and that is adding to the problem. Thousands of commuters take these buses on a daily basis and production is hitting a low as most of our labourers are on leave.

Traders of food and other perishable items are the worst affected besides the small and medium sector units. Harish Arora, general secretary of the Rudrapur traders’ union, said, “With food and other perishable commodities getting damaged in godowns due to the strike, we might have to increase the prices of goods.” Arora added that if the strike continues, it would create problems for consumers. “Most traders will run out of stock in another week and shortage of products will inconvenience customers.”

Manoj Rajput, an office bearer at the local transport union, said that they had no option but to join the strike. “The government has not paid any heed to our demands and is also not talking to us.

Adding that the situation could exacerbate if efforts were not made to mollify the protesters, Rajesh Bansal, district president of traders’ union, said, “It is high time that Union transport ministry intervenes and resolves the matter.”