Gujarat: 5,000 trucks stranded on highways

AHMEDABAD: More than 5,000 trucks are stuck on highways, mainly in south Gujarat, according to Akhil Gujarat Truck Transport Association. The association said there is a shortage of trucks because vehicles from the southern states have not begun their return journey as roads are blocked in Maharashtra and south Gujarat. The association said that transporters are staring at an estimated loss of Rs 500 crore because of heavy rain.
Gujarat has been pounded by heavy rain and National Highway 48 was closed in Navsari district. Akhil Gujarat Truck Transport Association president Mukesh Dave said: “Ahmedabad-Mumbai truck runs are two to three days late and the non-availability of trucks is causing problems on other routes.”
Dave said that Gujarat has about 14,000 registered trucks and the transport industry is reeling from the loss of working days because of rain. Dave said that high fuel consumption due to traffic snarls as well as maintenance costs are adding to the transporters’ bills. According to the association, many routes are being reopened but the situation may become normal only after Monday. A large number of trucks engaged in mining activities have also stopped plying and that has impacted the business.
Dave said that Gujarat transporters are waiting for the arrival of trucks stuck in south India. The passage through the Ahmedabad-Mumbai highway is expected to become smoother in the coming days.