Truckers want higher cash withdrawal limits, as goods bookings at major centres dropped by 70 per cent, stated transport industry experts.
While toll payments requirement at national highways (NH) have been done away for another 72 hours with the Centre demonetising ₹500 and ₹1,000 notes, the status of toll payments at plazas handled by State highways is not clear.
Apart from NH toll booths, truckers have to stop at multiple points to make payments, most of which is cash-based.
Just 2-3 per cent of India’s trucking sector is organised. “We welcome the Prime Minister’s move to do away with black money, but, for the truckers on the road, the move is working out like a
For drivers on the road, 80 per cent of the operating cost is cash based. Drivers pay for toll, food in dhabas and repairs on the road, in cash.
Tourist problems“Tourists are facing problems as inter-State permits for passenger transportation are issued at RTOs,” stated Gupta.
“We want the withdrawal limit to be increased to ₹25,000-30,000, which is a truck driver’s daily expense per trip per day. We are asking for higher withdrawal limit for our ‘accounted for’ money,” he added.
“We have just met Sanjay Mitra, Secretary, and Abhay Damle, JS (Transport), Road Transport and Highways. Additionally, CNG at 263 IGL stations in the NCR are mostly available in cash, and the billings are not automated. The Secretary has taken this up with IGL,” Gupta said.
The entire ecosystem will take time to adapt to this system till short change is easily available.