Truckers Begin Indefinite Strike in Rajasthan Over New Regulations, Mandatory Tracking Devices

Truckers across Rajasthan, India, initiated an indefinite strike starting Monday midnight, protesting the enforcement of new regulations. Key among their grievances are the mandatory installation of costly Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs), permit requirements, and e-detection challans.

The Rajasthan Truck Transport Sangharsh Samiti, an umbrella organization representing the truckers, stated that the government has neglected to establish the essential infrastructure required for these new rules. This oversight, they argue, creates significant hardships for operators and vehicle owners. The Samiti estimates that approximately 10,000 trucks are participating in the strike and warns of potential disruptions to the supply chain for crucial goods, including cement, steel, groceries, and agricultural produce, should talks with the government prove unsuccessful.

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The government has made VLTDs mandatory, but authorised vendors do not have sufficient devices. As a result, fitness certificates, permits and other essential formalities for thousands of trucks are getting delayed.

Central to the dispute are the VLTDs, which are GPS-based tracking systems made mandatory for certain commercial vehicles. The Samiti highlighted that a limited number of companies are authorized to install these devices, with each unit reportedly costing up to ₹30,000 (approximately $360 USD). They contrast this with similar devices available in other states for around ₹3,000 (approximately $36 USD). The transporters are demanding that more companies be authorized for installation and that the government promptly issue a standard operating procedure for implementing the new regulations.

Transporters also expressed frustration with the continued Temporary Permit system and the challenges faced by long-distance carriers. Trucks traveling between states like Rajasthan and Kerala, Tamil Nadu, or Assam are subjected to taxes and permit requirements in multiple jurisdictions, substantially increasing operational expenses. The frequent issuance of e-detection challans further exacerbates their financial burden. Several transport associations have voiced support for the strike, emphasizing that issues with VLTD installation, the permit system, and e-challans are negatively impacting the transport sector.

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The government should first ensure an adequate supply of devices and simplify the process before enforcing the rules strictly.