Heart of Haryana: Sirsa truck drivers, transporters rue ‘declining industry’

The transport sector, which once played a crucial role in delivering farmers’ produce and various factory goods across India, is now facing many hardships. What was once a profitable business has now become a nightmare, especially for transporters and drivers.

‘Matters of concern’

• Five years ago, district boasted over 1,000 trucks, but now only about 400 operational
• Drop in freight rates, expensive diesel, high vehicle passing fees, steep toll taxes
• Sirsa Truck Union disbanded decade ago, resulting in transporters having no say in freight rates and accepting traders offer them
• Trucks older than 10 years not allowed in NCR, and violating this rule results in heavy fines
• truck financed for ~60-70 lakh cannot recover its cost within 10 years, and selling it for ~10-15 lakh afterward barely covers expenses
• Transporters and drivers can only make ends meet if they receive at least ~60 per km
• Many truck drivers into substance abuse, whether alcohol or opium

In Sirsa, the situation is particularly severe, with the number of trucks on the road significantly reduced. Just five years ago, the district boasted over 1,000 trucks, but now only about 400 remain operational. Darshan Singh, a transporter with 45 years of experience in Sirsa, says that the business no longer yields any profit. “Freight rates have dropped, expenses have risen, diesel is expensive, vehicle passing fees are high, and toll taxes are steep. The transport business is on the verge of collapse,” says Singh. When he started his venture, he was able to provide employment to his family members, marry off his children and gain respect in society through his business. Now, however, the respect has diminished.

Singh also says that with the shift to online payments, many drivers and transporters, especially the illiterate ones, struggle to manage transactions. In certain areas, only cash is accepted, leaving drivers in difficult situations.

The disbanding of the transport union has also exacerbated the situation. Singh recalls the time when the Sirsa Truck Union had over 1,000 vehicles and fair rates were negotiated. However, over the past decade, the union was dissolved, and the government has not allowed its reformation. Transporters now have no say in freight rates and are forced to accept whatever traders offer.

Roshan Singh, another transporter, echoes similar sentiments, saying the business has become tainted. “Owning a truck was once a matter of pride, but now truck owners hide their occupation from their families,” he says. Roshan Singh is both the owner and driver of his truck. He points out that more than 90 per cent of the truck drivers are involved in substance abuse, whether it’s alcohol or opium, leading to deteriorating health and a lack of counselling support. He hopes his children never pursue a career in transportation.

Ranjit Singh, another transporter, highlights the stringent government regulations. Trucks older than 10 years are not allowed in the NCR, and violating this rule results in heavy fines. Singh argues that a truck financed for Rs 60-70 lakh cannot recover its cost within 10 years, and selling it for Rs 10-15 lakh afterward barely covers expenses. Additionally, Singh points out that despite paying hefty road taxes, transporters still face enormous toll taxes.

He also mentions that while all major and minor transporters are currently facing losses, there is no unity among them to form a union, and the government seems uninterested in allowing one. He believes that transporters and drivers can only make ends meet if they receive at least Rs 60 per km.

Malkit Singh, another transporter, says that heavy-licence holders are now avoiding truck driving in favour of operating school, college or private buses due to better pay and working conditions. He says there is no money left in the trucking business and trained drivers are no longer interested. Truck driver Sukhdev Singh, 40, remains unmarried due to the negative reputation associated with the profession. Having been a driver for 15 years, he says no one wants to marry their daughter to a truck driver. Sukhdev suffers from health issues due to his excessive tobacco use, but he continues to work in the profession out of necessity. His salary is only Rs 10,000, and even that is often delayed.

Similarly, Pawan Kumar, 38, also a truck driver, is unmarried. He expresses his desire to have a family, but is unsure when his fortunes will change.

Darshan Singh concludes by calling for the government to address the issues faced by transporters and drivers. He suggests that special health cards be issued to drivers, along with pension schemes, as nearly 10,000 to 12,000 families in Sirsa depend solely on the transport industry for their livelihood.

The transport sector, once a symbol of pride and employment, is now plagued by financial difficulties, government regulations and a lack of support. Without intervention, the livelihoods of thousands of families in Sirsa and beyond remain at risk.