Western Nepal Truck Entrepreneurs´ Federation has re-introduced the ´syndicate´ system by implementing odd-even number plate system to deal with the shortage of trucks for delivering goods. Shortage of trucks emerged as trucks are engaged in ferrying aggregates and other river products to India. The six-day general strike called by the UCPN (Maoist) had also weakened the transport system in the country. [break]
“We were compelled to re-introduce odd-even number plate system to prevent truckers from involving in unhealthy competition by lowering fares to get business,” said Gupta Bahadur KC, president of Western Nepal Truck Entrepreneurs´ Federation.
KC said odd-even number plate system would end the mismanagement in truck operation.
Taking benefit of shortage of trucks, entrepreneurs have raised transportation fares by as much as Rs 4,000 to Rs 7,000 per trip depending on the route distance.
Disruption in delivery of goods during the six-day long strike and increasing involvement of truck in ferrying aggregates have sparked shortage of trucks in different Tarai districts after the government lifted ban on mining of aggregates for commercial purpose.
Before the indefinite strike, transportation fare on Kathmandu-Bhairahawa route had decreased to Rs 13,000 per trip, lower than Rs 16,200 per trip, fixed by the government, due to the competition among truck operators. However, the fare on the same route has shot up to Rs 20,000 per trip. Truckers are charging Rs 17,00 per trip on Bhairahawa-Pokhara route, which is Rs 2,000 per trip more than what they were charging before the strike.
Cement traders are among the most affected due to the hike in transport fares. “The sharp rise in transportation fares will raise the price of goods including cement,” said Rishikesh Agarawal, proprietor of Nepal Ambuja Cement.
Almost 50 percent of around 600 trucks operating in Rupandehi districts are used to ferry cement.
Mahendra Kumar Shrestha, president of Siddharthanagar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said shortage of trucks and exorbitant fares have force businessmen to halt transportation of goods. “Hefty rise in transportation fare would ultimately raise the price of goods, which will come as a big blow to consumers,” said Shrestha.
Anil Kumar Gurung, director of Department of Transport Management (DoTM), said action they would take action against individuals or organizations implementing odd-even number plate system.
“We will send monitoring teams to areas where entrepreneurs have exercised odd-even number plate system and charging exorbitant fares,” Gurung added.
(With inputs from Sher Bahadur KC from Butwal)
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