Maharashtra restrictions: Lorry drivers won’t need to show RT-PCR test

Representation pic

A day after a report carried in mid-day stated how the state's fresh guidelines may bring essential services supply chain to a standstill, as it mandates all cargo lorry drivers to carry latest Covid-19 reports, the Maharashtra government has issued a new directive. According to the new guidelines, issued on Saturday, lorry drivers will be exempted from this.

Transporters have thanked mid-day for highlighting the issue in a report titled, ‘Guidelines for lorries will halt the supply of essentials'. Bal Malkit Singh, chairman, core committee and former president, All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), said, "With persistent follow-ups, we have been successful in getting revised guidelines regarding mandatory requirement of negative RT-PCR test for drivers in Maharashtra. Earlier in the day, we got instructions from the Chief Secretary's Office issued to field officials, asking them to release all vehicles immediately. This was done promptly."

The new order now states that in case of cargo carriers, not more than two people (driver + cleaner/helper) may be allowed to travel in the same vehicle. "If these cargo carriers are originating from outside the state, these may be allowed to enter with a negative RT-PCR test, which will have to be issued from up to a maximum of 48 hours before the time of entry into Maharashtra and which will be valid for seven days," the order stated.