It’s the government. Truly, it’s both our biggest opportunity and, at times, our biggest roadblock.
Let’s be honest: the infrastructure push by the government is tremendous. We are genuinely grateful for the highways, corridors, and connectivity projects that have come up in recent years. And we’re doing our bit too. We pay full toll taxes, without resistance, even when they’re increased. We support development work with open arms and zero dharnas, because when the roads move, the country moves.
But once a highway is completed, why doesn’t the toll reduce? We were told the charges include construction and later, only maintenance. Yet, the price remains the same; sometimes it even goes up.
If a project is finished, tolls should be recalibrated; otherwise, how will transporters survive and help bring down the cost of logistics?
Transporters embraced the e-way bill system because we believed in the shift to digital. But now we’re being charged at both ends, digitally and physically.
There are challans online, and then there are still roadside checks, penalties, and under-the-table charges. The chowkies may be gone on paper, but they still exist on the road.
If India truly wants to cut down logistics costs, the authorities need to keep a serious eye on this loophole. One step from their side will equal ten steps of progress for us.
Another challenge we face is manufacturers delaying vehicle turnaround. Airlines like IndiGo have a fixed turnaround time of 30 to 45 minutes. Of course, we can’t expect that kind of speed, but why can’t we at least get a guaranteed turnaround within 24 hours?
A truck stuck for two or three days eats into time, fuel, and the driver’s wellbeing.
I strongly advocate for standard detention charges, set and enforced by the government. Whether it’s a 1-ton vehicle or a 48-ton ODC, there should be predefined charges if loading or unloading isn’t completed within a reasonable time. That way, clients will begin to value our time too.
If the government truly wants to reduce India’s logistics cost to 9% of GDP, here’s what they need to fix:
- Post-completion toll structure transparency
- Elimination of dual charging, both online and roadside
- Standard detention rules and enforcement at loading/unloading points
These are not big things, but they will create massive impact. And I believe this government can do it. That’s why I say: the government is our biggest opportunity. We just need that sharp, corrective eye now.
