Following the annoucement that transporters across the country will go on a strike from Thursday, Union minister for highways transport and shipping Nitin Gadkari met transporters’ unions on Wednesday but failed to change their stand.The strike is against the alleged harassement faced by the transporters at toll plazas. “In total, Rs 14,600 crore is collected annually as toll taxes.
In fact, a survey has estimated that around Rs 86,000 crores are wasted over fuel and manpower while truck drivers and other vehicle owners wait at the toll plazas,” claimed one transporter.To end their “harassment” at the toll plazas, the transporters have proposed a one-time payment option. “We told the government that we are ready to pay more than the revenue earned from toll plazas. If they are collecting Rs 14,500 crore, we are ready to pay Rs 16,000 crore in one go. But, we want the toll barriers to go,” he added. However, the government has refused to end the toll system.
