United News of India
New Delhi, Apr 28: Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways and MSME Nitin Gadkari, on Tuesday, called for urgent action to facilitate Inter-State border movement of trucks and lorries carrying essential goods to ease public life during COVID-19 pandemic.
Gadkari has called upon all the states and UTs to take urgent action so that blockades of trucks and lorries at inter State/UT borders is cleared at the earliest possible, as smooth movement of essential goods to various parts of the country is essential.
This, he said, needs to be given urgent attention by facilitating the truck movement, to ease up lives of the public in the light of lockdown announced to curb COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the meeting of State/UT Road Transport Ministers held via Video Conference, Gadkari urged the Ministers to intervene in such matters and ensure resolutions through the local/district administrations.
At the same time, he underlined following the health advisories and other guideline like proper distance, wearing masks, use of sanitisers, both by the driver and cleaners and also at the Dhabaas.
Gadkari further pointed out that transportation of labour to factories etc may be facilitated by duly following the health protocols of maintaining minimum one metre distance, wearing masks, use of sanitisers, etc.
He pointed out that providing food and shelter to labour may be ensured while fully observing the norms of social distancing and hygiene.
Responding to a suggestion, Gadkari informed that his Ministry will start a helpline to resolve the transportation issues.
Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways General (Retd) V K Singh was also present.
Apart from the Transport & PWD Ministers/Deputy CMs, Chief Ministers of Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh also attended the video conference alongwith Secretary, Ministry of
Road Transport and Highways, senior officers of the Ministry, NHAI, NHIDCL, etc.
