PM Modi: The government would construct “modern buildings with new facilities” for truck and taxi drivers.
He stated that all national highways will have the structures installed, and that the first phase would see the construction of 1000 such facilities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Friday that the central government will construct “modern buildings with new facilities” for truck and taxi drivers on all national routes.
A vital component of our social and economic structure are the thousands of truck and taxi drivers. Frequently, they put in long workdays without taking breaks, which leaves them vulnerable to accidents on the roads, Prime Minister Modi stated during the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024 in Delhi.
#WATCH | Delhi: At Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024, PM Modi says "The drivers who drive trucks and taxis are an integral part of our social and economic system. Often these drivers drive trucks continuously for hours and hours, they do not have time for rest. The Central… pic.twitter.com/uJAf0C9kiE
— ANI (@ANI) February 2, 2024
He stated that the government is “fully conscious” of these problems.
Therefore, it brings me great joy to tell you that we are developing a program to make sure drivers get enough sleep before embarking on lengthy trips. This calls for the construction of contemporary structures with amenities including food, water, bathrooms, parking, and other features on all national routes.
The prime minister went on to say that 1000 of these structures would be constructed around the nation in the first phase of the plan.
Drivers protest
Last month, in opposition to the recently implemented hit-and-run clause in Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS), the new criminal law, truck and taxi drivers conducted widespread statewide rallies and boycotted work. While the drivers’ agitation was put down after the Union home ministry promised that the new laws would only be implemented after consulting the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), the highest body representing transporters, it is impossible to say that the PM’s announcement was influenced by it.