Truckers called off strike; toll tax hike stalled

The truckers association after a two-day long nationwide strike over the rising oil prices and toll tax have decided to call off their agitation after the government agreed to freeze the purposed hike in toll tax and service tax on diesel.

A representative of the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), the apex body of truckers, said that they have finally decided to end the strike as the government agreed to address all their tax evasion issues.

Truckers association as a pressure tactics forced the Centre to listen to their demand in a meeting between operators and government authorities. Reportedly, the government has decided to form a committee to take the issues such as the availability of cheaper fuels in highways and a decrease in toll tax.

The Committee comprising of representatives from the Department of Road Transport & Highways and the Truckers’ Union will monitor the quality of service and toll tax related issues and also recommend suitable measures.

All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) president Charan Singh Lohara said, "The committee will submit its report within a period of nine months from the date of its constitution.”

Transport Secretary Brahm Dutt said the toll rates applicable prior to December 2007 would be applied henceforth. There will be no increase in toll for a period of one year on government-funded 770 km national highway stretches.

The strike that began on Tuesday night has so far affected the entire goods transportation in various parts of the country. The Truckers after a series of meetings along with the officials came to the agreement.