Varanasi: Nationwide discontent among truck drivers over amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act led to a massive traffic jam on the Varanasi-Prayagraj highway spanning 12 kilometers. The protest unfolded today as truck drivers voiced opposition to the recent changes in the Act, resulting in a blockade of the northbound lane of the highway from Varanasi to Prayagraj. The gridlock began near the Varanasi-Bhadohi border checkpoint, extending all the way to Maharajganj.
Truckers, demanding a rollback of the amendments, engaged in a noisy demonstration. They consider the revisions to the Act as draconian, pointing out that it imposes a 12-year penalty and a hefty fine of seven lakh rupees on vehicle drivers. According to them, such stringent provisions could lead to the complete ruin of the transportation business. Truck drivers work tirelessly day and night to support their families, and the exorbitant fines stipulated by this law are perceived as a direct oppression on their livelihoods.
The protest caused a significant disruption on the highway, leaving vehicles of all sizes stranded for over 12 kilometers. This unexpected traffic congestion unfolded on the first day of the new year, a time when many people set out for picnics and various destinations. Authorities, including the Regional Transport Officer Umeshwar Prabhat, rushed to the scene to engage with the protesting truck drivers and address the situation.
The drivers insist that the amendments must be reconsidered, emphasizing the financial strain it would impose on an already struggling transport industry. As the impasse continues, it not only inconveniences commuters but also underscores the challenges faced by those working in the transport sector. The protest on the Varanasi-Prayagraj highway serves as a potent expression of dissent against the perceived injustices embedded in the recent amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act.
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