Shillong, August 25: The All Meghalaya Truck Owners and Drivers Welfare Association held an urgent meeting on Tuesday to discuss issues faced by local truck owners and drivers in connection with road construction projects being undertaken by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).

Speaking after the meeting, association general secretary W. Warlapih said the discussions centred on difficulties being faced by local transporters along stretches of national highways where construction work is currently underway.

The association raised concerns over traffic congestion, road safety, heavy-vehicle movement and inadequate coordination between construction companies, transporters and government authorities.

It also sought clarity on the participation of local truck owners in the transportation of construction materials for NHIDCL projects.

Warlapih urged NHIDCL and its contractors to hold proper consultations with the association and ensure that local truck owners and drivers are not denied employment opportunities arising from the ongoing projects.

He further called for transparent and uniform transport rates and working conditions, saying these should be clearly communicated and implemented fairly among local transporters.

The association also appealed to the district administration, police and other concerned departments to put in place effective traffic-management measures at construction sites to minimise congestion and ensure the safety of drivers and commuters.

The truck owners and drivers said they remain willing to cooperate with NHIDCL, contractors and the authorities, provided the concerns and legitimate interests of local transporters are addressed fairly.