Transporters thank mid-day for highlighting their concerns on new Covid-19 rules

State offers truckers relaxation on COVID rules following concerns about supply-chain disruption and impact on livelihood of drivers

Transporters said on Wednesday that they managed a seamless supply of essential items across the state borders after negotiations with the state government. They also thanked mid-day for highlighting their concerns about new COVID-19 rules mandating either double vaccination or a negative RT-PCR test report for entering the state. 

There was no major issue or hold-ups at the borders on Wednesday, said an AIMTC member. Representation pic 

The rollout of new COVID-19 guidelines by the Maharashtra government, mandating double dose or negative RT-PCR test for entry into the state through road, had caused quite a concern among the transport fraternity. However, we immediately took up the matter with the authorities and requested exemptions for the drivers who are single vaccinated. We also thank mid-day for highlighting the issue promptly,” said Bal Malkit Singh, chairman, core committee and former president, All-India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC).

“We have also suggested to the government to reduce the gap between the two doses so that truckers can get their second dose at the earliest, ramp up checking facilities through online mode, and make a second dose of vaccine available at the borders,” he added.

Bal Malkit Singh of All-India Motor Transport Congress

“We are constantly keeping a tab on the developments at the borders and there has been no major issue or hold-ups today. The administration has been lenient on the guidelines. The same is being considered by the government. We shall be continually monitoring the situation and if in case of adversity, we will immediately take it up with the authorities,” Singh said.

Speaking with mid-day last, Singh had raised fear of disruptions in the supply chain owing to new COVID-19 restrictions, and said that any interruption would adversely impact the livelihood of truck drivers and the support staff.

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