The Talcher Truck Owners’ Association resorted to an indefinite strike from Monday demanding an immediate hike in freight charges. The stir began disrupting coal transport from several mines in Talcher.
Owners of as many as around 7,000 trucks engaged in various coalmines in the Talcher area joined the strike with several other truck owners’ associations having extended their support to the agitation.
The striking truck owners alleged that coal transportation at the earlier fixed freight charges is not feasible now in view of manifold rise in the fuel prices and cost of vehicle maintenance.
An association member said the authorities should hike the freight prices for coal transportation taking into account the rise in annual insurance fees and costs of vehicle spare parts and maintenance. The strike would continue until the association’s demand is fulfilled, he added.
