Demonetisation: No cash for daily drive could ground trucks

NEW DELHI: Cash shortage is making it difficult for trucks to operate, and truckers may be forced to halt operations completely if the situation does not improve soon, All India Transporters Welfare Association’s President Pradeep Singhal said.

“We are asking them to cooperate and ply, but it will not be possible for truck owners to continue operations in these circumstances,” he said. Singhal said drivers needed cash for food and minor repairs on the way. “All the trucks will stop carrying consignments if they do not have enough cash for their enroute expenses,” he said.

Singhal said business has fallen 30-40% since the November 8 demonetisation announcement, which translates to a loss of about Rs 1,200 crore in 15 days. M Kriplani, president of Azadpur Mandi, said arrival of trucks has gradually decreased. There has been a drop of 30% and 50% for vegetables and fruits respectively. A major problem faced by transporters and retailers alike is the payment to labourers at the time of loading or unloading of consignments at mandis.

“We are paying our old labourers about half of their wages so they can meet their daily requirements. In case they need more, we draw cheques of Rs 500 or Rs 2,000, so they can get the money from banks,” added Kriplani.

Truckers are finding it difficult to maintain operations as a major chunk of it is dependent on cash. “We cannot use Paytm for small, minor repairs,” said Ritesh Singh of Kolkata-based Durga Transport Company, which operates all over the country.