- Fare determination neglect by administration
- Nationwide cargo shutdown signs
Bhubaneswar, 18/05: Amidst a deepening fuel crisis and skyrocketing diesel prices, the Odisha State Truck Owners’ Federation today threatened a massive agitation against government apathy. At a press conference held here in the capital city, the federation made it clear that if the government does not halt its arbitrary policies and immediately fix the minimum freight rate for trucks, transport services across the state will be completely paralyzed. The association expressed that while passenger bus fares are being frequently revised, the government’s total indifference toward the trucking sector has caused severe financial distress, forcing them to take this extreme step.
“We have endured immense losses. The government’s unilateral attitude will no longer be tolerated.” — Odisha State Truck Owners’ Federation
Expressing deep resentment, the General Secretary of the Federation, Pranab Kumar Parija, informed the media that the government has not revised truck freight rates since 2008. Even the explicit directives of the High Court are being completely ignored by the administration. While the transport rates for mineral goods were increased back in 2021, the determination of minimum fares for other general cargo trucks has been deliberately sidelined, leaving operators in a state of absolute financial ruin.
Echoing these concerns, the Vice President (Eastern Zone) of the Federation, Biranchi Narayan Parida, highlighted the grim ground reality, stating that thousands of trucks are currently stranded on roadsides due to acute fuel shortages and soaring diesel prices. If the government fails to control the price hike and resolve the ongoing fuel crisis immediately, this standstill will escalate into a massive state-wide protest in the coming days, for which the administration alone will be held accountable.