Transporters Intensify Statewide Strike Over VLTD GPS, Permit and Fitness Issues

Udaipur — A statewide indefinite strike by truck operators demanding resolution of issues related to VLTD GPS installation, vehicle permits and fitness certification intensified on Wednesday, with transporters in Udaipur holding a truck rally and warning of further escalation if their demands are not addressed.

The protest, organized under the banner of the Pradesh Truck and Transport Sangharsh Samiti (State Truck and Transport Struggle Committee), received widespread support in Udaipur. According to organization spokesperson Kunwar Hemendra Singh Davana, the campaign was coordinated under the guidance of patron Pushparaj Mehta and the leadership of president Narendra Singh Ranawat.

Teams led by office-bearers, including Vice President Hemraj Dangi, Secretary Manohar Singh Rathore, Treasurer Jagdish Chandra Panda and Joint Secretary Manpreet Singh, contacted industrial and commercial organizations across the city to seek support for the statewide agitation. Memorandums were submitted to business bodies, including the Udaipur Chamber of Commerce, the marble market, agricultural produce market, vegetable market, Laghu Udyog Bharati and the Kaladwas Chamber.

The committee said truck owners, transporters, industries or factories continuing to transport or load goods during the strike would face an organizational penalty of Rs. 5,100. It also warned that such businesses could be blacklisted and face peaceful demonstrations outside their establishments.

As part of the protest, thousands of truck keys were symbolically collected to mark a complete halt in transport operations. About 50 trucks participated in a rally from Udaipur Transport Nagar to the Regional Transport Office (RTO), with truck owners, transport operators and drivers joining the procession while patriotic songs were played.

Following the rally, a delegation met with officials of the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and the District Transport Office (DTO) to discuss the transporters' concerns.

According to the committee, transport officials acknowledged that vehicle owners have been facing significant hardships due to the prolonged closure of fitness centers and administrative delays, which have resulted in heavy penalties that many truck owners are unable to pay.

The committee said transport officials contacted the Transport Commissioner by phone during the meeting. According to the transporters, the commissioner assured them that the process of installing VLTD GPS devices would begin immediately and that pending permit and vehicle fitness procedures would be prioritized for implementation this week. Officials also reportedly assured that challans issued during the period when fitness centers remained closed would be reviewed, and eligible vehicle owners would be considered for relief.

Despite the assurances, the committee said the statewide strike would continue until the government issues a written decision providing concrete relief to vehicle owners and transport businesses.

The committee also warned that if the government fails to take prompt action, the agitation would be expanded in phases and could disrupt the transportation of essential services and other commercial activities across Rajasthan. Organizers said responsibility for any resulting disruption would rest with the state government and the administrative authorities.

Former legal adviser Narendra Singh Shekhawat, along with several transport leaders and truck operators from Udaipur and neighboring regions, participated in the protest after closing their business establishments in support of the statewide movement.