The Hindu Business Line : One lakh goods carriers stranded in Rajasthan

It is not just train services that have been affected by the agitation in Rajasthan that happened because of the ongoing clash of two communities on the issue of reservation. Owing to the agitation that started five days ago, some 100,000 goods carriers are stranded in the State with the National and State Highways blocked. This also includes over 25,000 loaded trucks from other States, according to the data provided by the Indian Foundation of Transport Research and Training (IFTRT) based on a spot survey by its resource persons in various Rajasthan cities including Jaipur, Kota and Alwar. The research body is also taking inputs from other road transport unions and trade associations.

However, trucks have now started taking alternative routes for Westward movement, via Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, it said.

According to IFTRT, Rajasthan, every day 35,000-40,000 trucks (both light and heavy) move intra- and inter-State of all types of essential items of daily use and cater to various trading and industrial focal points in Rajasthan.

While 15,000-20,000 trucks go to other States with cargoes originating from various districts of Rajasthan, another 12,000-15,000 vehicles bring in essential and general commodities into Rajasthan from various States.

Small and Medium Enterprises engaged in various industrial activities in the State have been affected with diminishing raw material stocks and unsold finished goods awaiting dispatch, it said. For instance, marble and cement sectors, which engage 8,000-10,000 trucks daily to move materials to other States, have been affected.

The IFTRT also stated that the States in the belt as also the the National Capital Region are likely to face a drop in supplies of seasonal fruits and vegetables, livestock and milk. Within Rajasthan, agri-based producers are resorting to selling the perishables at lower prices within the State.

On the Railways front, the agitation resulted in the cancellation of 21 passenger trains by the Northern Railways on Saturday. Several trains were diverted and many rescheduled.

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One lakh goods carriers stranded in Rajasthan