Shillong, November 13: In a significant development aimed at resolving the long-pending transport rate issue in the state’s cement sector, the Meghalaya government has decided to fix a uniform transportation rate of ₹9 per tonne per kilometre within the state.
The decision was taken during a joint meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar on Thursday with the Meghalaya Cement Transporters Owners and Drivers Association (MCTODA) and representatives of various cement companies.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar described the deliberations as “a very good and positive meeting,” stating that both sides — the transport associations and the cement companies — had reached a broad understanding.
He informed that the government has decided to fix a single transport rate of ₹9 per tonne per kilometre, replacing the previous variable rate of ₹7 to ₹11 per tonne per kilometre. Dhar said the new uniform rate aims to ensure fairness and prevent cement companies from paying transporters at the lowest end of the earlier rate band.
“All transporters are happy with the decision. The fixed rate of ₹9 will apply for all routes within the state, and the notification will be issued soon,”
Dhar stated.
The meeting also discussed MCTODA’s demand for an increase in the quota of local trucks allotted for cement loading. Currently, local trucks are allotted a quota of 100 trucks per day, while the association has sought to raise it to 120 trucks.
According to MCTODA President Moselandar Marngar and Adviser Kyrmen Uriah, the cement companies have agreed to increase the quota from 80 to 100 trucks per day, but sought a week’s time to consult their managements regarding the proposed increase to 120.
“We have agreed to give them a week’s time. The next meeting, likely on November 21, will be chaired by the Chief Minister himself to take a final call on this matter,”
Uriah said.
He further informed that the new rate of ₹9 per tonne per kilometre will be formally notified by the Transport Department, replacing the previous notification issued on September 24, 2020, which allowed a variable rate structure.
During the meeting, MCTODA also raised other issues, including pending cases filed against its members in East Jaintia Hills and compensation for drivers and villagers injured in the November 5 incident at Mowryngkneng and Mookyndur. These matters, the association stated, will be taken up separately with the Home Department.
The meeting was attended by representatives from eight cement companies, Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of East and West Jaintia Hills, officials from the Transport Department, and around 15 members of MCTODA.
MCTODA President Moselandar Marngar expressed gratitude to the government, saying that the outcome of the meeting was “fruitful” and appreciated Deputy Chief Minister Dhar for his support and understanding of the concerns faced by local transporters.
The next review meeting is scheduled for November 21, where the quota issue and other pending matters will be finalised.
