PONDICHERRY: "A force on the lines of the Railway Protection Force must be created to protect goods being transported on the country's national highways," said Gurinder Pal Singh, president, All India Motor Congress.

Addressing the All India Transporters' Meet organised by the Pondicherry Good Transporters Association (PGTA) here on Saturday, Mr. Gurinder Pal Singh said that an increasing number of crimes on highways was affecting the transportation sector and the country. "We have suggested to Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Union Home Ministry to create such a force."

He said one of the main issues confronting the transport sector was the outdated Carriers Act 1865. "The Act has not been amended since the time of bullock carts and that is a great problem that we are facing. The Act is likely to be amended through a Bill by Parliament, probably in the next session."

Other issues that he touched upon in his speech include payment of high toll fee, frequent hike in diesel price and tyre price. "The National Highways Authority of India has admitted that the average gap between to toll plazas was 60 km instead of the prescribed 80 km. When we pay road tax, national permit fee, cess on diesel and local taxes, why must we pay toll fees," he questioned. The Chief Minister N. Rangasamy said that the work on the Transport Nagar in Pondicherry was progressing. "Roads have been laid and water connection provided and the Nagar would be ready to be handed over to the truckers in 5-6 months time". The Government proposed the Transport Nagar to reduce traffic congestion within the urban limits. When ready, all the lorry traffic to Pondicherry would be routed through the Nagar and goods would be brought to the town using smaller vehicles.

The president of the PGTA, Elumalai, and general secretary Peer Mohammed said insurance companies were not providing insurance cover for vehicles that were more than 7 years old. "Diesel hike by Rs 2 and 3 frequently, is causing a lot of hardships for us. We don't mind paying increased prices when the price hike is linked to the international crude oil prices but the government is also levying customs duty, excise duty and sales tax along with that." They also requested that the Pondicherry Government start a school for training drivers.

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