Around two lakh trucks of Odisha on Thursday remained off the roads in response to the indefinite nationwide strike called by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) protesting the present toll system.
The truckers’ bodies have been demanding scrapping of the toll system and one-time payment of taxes, State Government’s proposed green tax and simplification of TDS.
Reports said the trucks were not in operation in several industrial areas, National Highways and port areas in the State.
“The Central Government has increased the number of toll gates following which we are facing numerous problems including unnecessary burning of fuel due to stranding, causing pollution. While a Delhi trip used to take four days, now it is taking seven days. We stop at toll gates and then proceed which is delaying our delivery system,” said a member of the Rasulgarh Truck Association here.
The truckers opposed the proposed green tax to be levied by the State Government. The truckers of the city also demanded a separate parking space for trucks here.