Transport industry of Jharkhand, hit hard by the lockdown and lack of demand, has demanded concessions from the Central and State Governments to save the transport sector alleging transporters are being neglected by the Governments.

“Transport sector completely collapsed due to lockdown owing to Covid-19 and if the Governments don’t take necessary steps; the situation will be out of control,” said Sunil Singh Chauhan, spokesperson of Ranchi Goods Transport Association during a press conference.

Chauhan said the rising price of diesel has hit them hard. “We don’t have any problem if the Government makes one time increase in the price of diesel once a year because it will help us negotiate and fix transportation prices with customers and companies. We have been facing loss due to dynamic pricing since there is permission for dynamic transportation charge,” he said.

The outfit also demanded the Hemant Soren Government to wave-off taxes for at least six months. Vehicle owners are charged for road permit, pollution and fitness.

“Fact is that transportation was suspended right from the first day of the lockdown. But we are asked to deposit taxes which are nothing but a kind of atrocities on us at a time when we are bleeding financially,” he said.

He added the while the Governments are extending all kinds of support to other industrial and business activities; the transport sector is being neglected.

“Transport sector is one of the key service providers that provide employment to a large number of people. But due to the crisis we are unable to pay salaries to our staff,” he said.