A few days after a ban on trucks and heavy vehicles for coal transport through Belpahar-Gumadera road was imposed, truckers approached the district administration here on Tuesday urging for a reconsideration of the restriction.
Members of the Maa Samlei Truck Owners’ Association (MSTOA) Bandhbahal led by president Akhil Swain and general secretary Santosh Mohanty submitted a memorandum to the district Collector through ADM, Jharsuguda. They mentioned that it is not possible for hundreds of coal-laden and empty trucks to commute on the Punjipathar road. Till completion of Belpahar ring road, they should be allowed for road sale coal transport via Gumadera as earlier. The district administration was yet to respond.
Members informed the Collector that Punjipathar road is very narrow and full of potholes and, hence, not motorable for trucks and heavy vehicles. Besides, the condition of the internal mines road is very miserable. There is no parking facility earmarked for the trucks entering the mines area. Resting place, drinking water and lighting facilities are also not available for drivers and helpers. They also alleged that the MCl authorities are delaying in repair of roads.