Coal transport hit in Odisha as truck owners launch indefinite stir

Angul: Demanding hike in freight charges, Talcher Truck Owners’ Association today resorted to an indefinite strike disrupting coal transport to several mines.

Sources said owners of around 7,000 trucks engaged in various coal mines in Talcher have joined the strike.  Several other truck owners’ associations have also extended their support to the strike.

The agitators alleged that coal transportation at previously fixed freight charges is not possible now since cost of fuel prices and vehicle maintenance have increased manifold. “The state Government should increase the freight prices for coal transportation taking into account the rise in annual insurance fees, vehicle spare parts and maintenance cost,” said a member of the association.

The agitation would continue in the coming days until the Government does not fulfill the demand at the earliest, he added.