Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 13: The J&K Motor Transport Companies Association (MTCA), Jammu has demanded that compensation be provided to the transporters for their vehicles including trucks and buses in view of recent floods in the State.
Addressing a press conference here today, Surinder Singh Kala, convenor of the Association claimed that due to recent rains, landslides and floods in Kashmir valley and other parts of the State, transporters have also suffered massive losses/ damages. The vehicles of many transporters were also washed away and damaged being remaining in water for many days. It is matter of great concern and agony that no one from the Government has come forward to assess losses/ damage caused to the transporters. No one even bothered to think on these lines.
Mr Kala pointed out that transport industry is the back bone of the State but no one has reached out to them or even included the transporters damage due to floods. He also pointed out that overloading from Jammu Rail Head and other points is the most damaging factor causing road sliding and damages to National Highway.
He further alleged that over loading in goods carriers has become the routine matter with the connivance of some officials of Excise and Sales Tax at Toll Posts. Unloading at FCI go downs at Kashmir is the most problematic for transporters as the charges have increased three times.
The MTCA members urged upon the Government to consider their demands, otherwise, the transporters/ truck operators will be left with the only option to go on indefinite strike.
Senior members of the body namely- T R Gupta, Nanak Singh, Gajan Singh, Amar Singh Wazir, Kulwant Singh, Ravinder Singh Kala, Kultar Singh and Avtar Singh were also present.
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