
Truckers’ strike may send prices soaring
Perishable goods like vegetables, fruits, milk, and eggs won’t be easily available in city markets from December 5, as truck and tempo drivers plan to go on an indefinite strike. It may also result in prices soaring.
The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) and Bombay Goods and Transport Association (BGTA), along with 18 other transport agencies from Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane, will participate in the nationwide strike. Their demand is to close toll nakas, which have completed their concession agreement, but are still collecting tolls.
“We have exempted transportation of all essential commodities from participating in the strike. But, if the government doesn’t resolve our demand within three days from December 5, then even those carrying essential and perishable commodities will participate in the indefinite strike,” said G Shanmugappa, president, AIMTC.
This means there would be a dearth in availability of all commodities. It might also lead to unnecessary rise in prices of most commodities. According to transport associations, the state would incur a loss of Rs 2,400 crore while the transporters’ losses would be around Rs 1,000 crore in a day.
Some members from the associations feel that essential commodities might become hard to find right from day one. “There are nearly 700 truckers ferrying perishable and essential commodities every day in Mumbai. The drivers would tend to avoid running vehicles fearing harm,” said Girish Agrawal, president, BGTA.
The main concern for transporters is that the government renews contracts and gives new contracts to private companies for collecting toll even though the concession period.
At present, the associations pay Rs 16,000 crore as toll every year for the 72 lakh trucks and tempos across the country. They are ready to pay Rs 20,000 crore at one go if the government abolishes toll system.

Maharashtra daily Covid-19 cases drop by 2,397; death toll reaches 52,500
- The drop in Covid-10 cases comes in the backdrop of a reduction in the number of tests. Maharashtra tested 70,941 people in the past 24 hours - a drop of 20,294.

Mumbai’s Dharavi logs 18 fresh Covid-19 cases; highest spike in nearly 5 months

'Something fishy': Uddhav after NIA asked to take over Ambani bomb threat probe
- Chief minister Thackeray also said that the Maharashtra police’s anti-terrorism squad (ATS), which was investigating the matter until now, will continue to conduct its probe into Hirani’s death.

Maharashtra minister’s 'Sushant' jibe at Centre as NIA gets Mukesh Ambani case

Mumbai airport to resume domestic operations from Terminal 1 from March 10

NIA to probe recovery of explosive-laden vehicle outside Ambani residence

Maharashtra budget 2021: Farmers can repay farm loans with 0% interest
- During the budget presentation, Pawar also said the government has taken measures to encourage women to invest in real estate.

SSR death case: NBC arrests three, including a drug supplier, from Goa

3, including one who provided drugs to Sushant Singh Rajput, arrested by NCB

Women's Day: Maharashtra sets up vaccination centres only for women
- "Every district has set up five such centres today. However, there are 19 such centres in Thane district due to higher demand there. There are 189 such centres in the state exclusively for vaccinating women," the official said.

Ambani security: ATS registers murder case in SUV owner’s death

Varavara Rao goes home on bail after release from hospital
- The 82-year-old activist, who was granted interim bail for six months on medical grounds by the Bombay high court on February 22, was discharged from the private hospital late Saturday night, they said.

Mansukh Hiren death: Maha ATS registers murder case against unidentified persons

International women’s day: The women in Maharashtra’s politics
