Trucks hit the road after 2-days of logjam

New Delhi, Jul 4: Trucks are back on the street following long talks between transporters and the Govt on Friday, July 4. All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) president Charan Singh Lohara said that all their issues on service tax have been resolved and the provisions of agreement reached in 2004 will be honoured.

He said a committee would be formed consisting of members from National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Department of Road, Transport and Highway and other government officials and six members from AIMTC to look into all toll related issues, including user fee rates. "The committee will submit its report within a period of nine months from the date of its constitution. However, the Government will consider extension of another three months for submission of the report by the committee, if required," said Lohara.

The committee will have the powers to examine the standards and service levels provided by the service provider and will recommend suitable corrective actions.

Transport Secretary Brahm Dutt said the toll rates applicable prior to December 2007 would be applied henceforth. There will be no increase in toll for a period of one year on government-funded 770 km national highway stretches.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary and the Joint-Secretary of the Transport Ministry, Revenue Secretary and NHAI Chairman and representatives of the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC).

ANI