Reconsider rule of negative Covid report for drivers: Transporters body to Maharashtra govt

Transporters have written to Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray asking to reconsider the guidelines of a compulsory negative RT-PCR report for drivers travelling from outside the state

Transporters have written to Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray asking to reconsider the guidelines of a compulsory negative RT-PCR report for drivers travelling from outside the state.

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Citing the guideline as impractical, the body has stated that the compulsion of negative RT-PCR test would lead to delay in transport of essential commodities including oxygen concentrators, medicines, oxygen tankers and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) goods.

The Maharashtra government under its BreakTheChain guidelines have stated that cargo carriers originating from outside the state will be allowed only after they produce a negative RT-PCR test, which is issued up to a maximum of 48 hours.

“In the case of cargo carriers, not more than two people (driver + cleaner/ helper) may be allowed to travel in the same. If these cargo carriers are originating from outside the state, these may be allowed to enter into the state with a negative RT-PCR test, which will have to be issued from up to a maximum of 48 hours before the time of entry into Maharashtra and which will be valid for 7 days.” mentions the guidelines.

All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) has stated that the RT-PCR report takes 48 hours and cargo between Delhi takes 72 hours to reach Maharashtra.