After 67 days of deadlock between the truck operators union and cement companies in Himachal Pradesh, a solution has finally been reached. Thanks to the intervention of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, both parties have agreed on new freight rates, ending the stalemate and allowing cement production to resume from tomorrow.
The new rates will be Rs 10.30 per kilometer per quintal for single axle and Rs 9.30 per kilometer per quintal for multi-axle. Despite suffering losses during the impasse, the Chief Minister has expressed relief that an acceptable solution has been found, protecting the interests of both truck operators and the cement management companies, and the wider community affected by the deadlock.
Efforts by the state government to solve the issue have been ongoing since the truck operators went on strike in mid-December 2022. The Chief Minister constituted a committee headed by the Industries Minister to resolve the matter, and the state government continued to hold talks with truck operators and factory management. Despite the economic losses incurred during the impasse, the government remained committed to promoting industries in the state and providing a favorable environment for them to thrive.
Moving forward, the Principal Secretary, Industries, and other officers will develop a formula for annual increases in freight rates. Instructions have also been given to Deputy Commissioners to address any other problems truck operators face. The positive outcome of this meeting bodes well for the future of industries in Himachal Pradesh and the prosperity of all those involved.
