the goan I network
MARGAO
The Margao Salcete Truckers Association along with Congress functionaries knocked the doors of the district Collector, Dr Tariq Thomas seeking his intervention on the question of Karnataka registered 12-tyre trucks plying from the MPT to various
industries.
After calling on the Collector, Congress spokesperson Sidhanath Buyao said Collector Thomas gave them a patient hearing and promised to seriously look into the issues raised by them so that no injustice is meted out to the local transport
operators.
“We impressed upon the district Collector that coal brought at the MPT by ships are transported to Goa Carbon and other factories by Karnataka registered 12-tryre trucks, leaving the local transporters high and dry, aggravating their problems after the closure of mining operations in the State,” he said.
Buyao further pointed out that the district Collector and the Transport department should act as a ship is likely to anchor at the MPT in a day or two. “We want the business of transporting coal to the three factories in South Goa given to the local operators,” Buyao added.
Margao Salcete Truckers Association treasurer Vallabh Varak warned the government that they will be left with no option than to stop all the Karnataka registered trucks plying from the MPT port.
He also demanded that the contractor should increase the transportation rate from the existing Rs 260 per ton to Rs 360 per ton.
“The existing rate is not at all economical for the transporters. The rate demanded by us is nominal and will not be a burden on the contractor,” Varak added.
