BILASPUR/DARLAGHAT: Adani Cement companies have urged the state government to allow them freedom to hire trucks wherever they are needed in India to facilitate interstate and interregional transportation.
This would ensue a a free market approach to serve the consumers, the companies pleaded.
While truckers' union remained firm on their stand on the freight charges, the strandoff between Adani group companies and truckers' union continue to fester in the sate even after six days wafter the Adani shut down its Barmana and Darlaghat cement factories on December 14.
Expressing its concern over the truckers protests at Barmana and Darlaghat, the Adani group companies pleaded that what is even more unfortunate is that local transport unions don’t allow other transporters to operate on competitive rates".
"This goes against the free market spirit. There should be open tendering process for freight rates as per vehicle size, carrying capacity",
"We are deeply aggrieved with the situation caused by the adamant stand of the truck unions in Himachal Pradesh". claimed the company spokesperson.
"The streamlining of the transportation value chain is crucial for the business and livelihood of many honest and hardworking people of Himachal Pradesh".
"Our four decades old relationship with the people of Himachal Pradesh is not just about our manufacturing operations, but also about the welfare of the communities of Barmana and Darlaghat", the companies said.
"We are deeply aggrieved with the situation caused by the adamant stand of the truck unions in Himachal Pradesh".
"The four decades old relationship with the people of Himachal Pradesh is not just about our manufacturing operations but also about the welfare of the communities of Barmana and Darlaghat".
Himachal Pradesh is a state full of natural resources and deserves superior development.
The people of the region deserve better cement price but it is not possible without the cooperation from transport unions.
"Higher transport costs has resulted in exorbitantly higher cement price to people of Himachal as compared to neighbouring States", the companies pleaded.
Barmana and Darlaghat Cement plants have a long presence in Himachal Pradesh and have contributed significantly to the economic prosperity of the local people and to the state's revenue.
The two (Ambuja and ACC) companies are among the largest employment providers (direct and indirect) in the State. However, the two cement plants of the Group have gone unviable due to various inefficiencies in transportation.
"As a single entity now, we want to supply cement to the markets at prices that are competitive, and our intent is that cement from either company flow freely to the best-optimized network in the State", the companies pleaded.
"Transporters shouldn't be concerned about management's right to switch company's brand-specific materials.
Since fuel is a national resource, this would help Himachal Pradesh to become a greener state by saving fuel and also draw on synergies to serve customers efficiently.
Such matters can be resolved only by understanding the issues faced by all the stakeholders and not by blaming each other.
"We are making serious efforts to solve the problems being faced by the State. We are seeking cooperation from all stakeholders including transport unions to resolve these issues amicably".
Himachal Pradesh can play an important role in nation building by facilitating a conducive business environment and ensuring ease of operations.
