The truckers of Balasore on Monday demanded that the local industrial houses hire their trucks on a priority and regular basis. Addressing a Press conference, president of Baleswar Transport Coordination Committee (BTCC) Ajay Biswal narrated the bad phase they are going through in the wake of slumping of some industries and shrinkage in transportation business in the district.
“In the backdrop of slumping of Birla Tyres and Baleswar Alloys, we are now dependent on the Emami Paper Mills. But it is disappointing that this company is hiring trucks from outside the State while we are ready to take loads at the same price,” Biswal lamented. Stating that they have heavy loan burdens, the truckers demanded that the district administration ask the company to give loads regularly.
“We have to give our instalments to banks as well as to bear the expenses like salaries of the drivers and helpers and maintenance,” he said. “We would take to the streets if we don’t find any help,” said Narendra Bihari Das, another functionary of the association.