Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (SD)

Mumbai, Apr 23: As many migrant workers are waiting to return to their homes, transporters fear that once the lockdown is lifted there would be a shortage of truck drivers.

Speaking on behalf of the Bombay Goods Transport Association, Abhishek Gupta said, "Already, some of the drivers have gone back to their villages and others are stranded on highways, waiting to ply trucks till the stated destination once the lockdown is lifted and then quickly return home. This may impact the essential and non-essential goods supply chain."

Due to the probable situation that would arise, the transporters’ bodies are appealing the truck drivers to continue their work for the transportation of essential goods in larger public interests.

Bal Malkit Singh of the All India Motor Transport Congress, a national body of transporters, admitted to a 'shortage' of drivers and that whosoever was available has to be paid more to ply trucks. “We requested the government for Rs 50 lac insurance for every truck driver who was risking his life and was a frontline worker to deliver the essentials. But this has not been announced,” said Singh. All India Transporters Welfare Association is encouraging drivers to return as they can get back to making a living.