PM should defer the restrictions of axle load to maintain prices of all items -Roomi

MULTAN, Feb 11th:The renowned Industrialist and Chairman of Multan Dry Port Trust (MDPT) Khawaja Jalaludin Roomi has demanded of Prime Minister Imran Khan to revoke the restriction of axle load which may cause the price hike of essential commodities, increasing the cost of doing of business and adding to the miseries of common man. In a statement issued here on Tuesday, Jalaluddin Roomi said that Ministry of communication has introduced the axle load law without any consideration under which a truck would only be allowed to bear the wight if 14 ton which was previously 28.Schedule six of the ordinance has a load table, according to which trucks with two axles can carry 17.5 tonnes of goods, those with three axles can carry 27.5 tonnes, four axles 39.5 tonnes, five axles 48 tonnes and six axles 58.5 tonnes.The government’s initiative would double the transportation cost of goods which will directly affect the masses.
Khawaja Jalaludin Roomi said that increase in petroleum products every month is contributing in inflation. This initiative would further raise the prices of goods which would be heavy on everyone’s pocket.
This would not only harm the exporters but also the domestic business holders.
Once this law is enacted, 50,000 more trucks would be required for the transportation of goods that would add considerable cost and environmental hazards.There would be immediate requirement of more than 200 billion rupees besides increasing the petroleum bill and adding to air pollution.
He suggested that in order to maintain and secure the road network, government should upgrade the railway track and initiate the cargo trains which would be a cheaper mode of transportation for agricultural and other goods that will also proving relief to the public
He said this issue has to be addressed at earliest to secure the interests of industrialists, business class and general public.He said industrialists across the country rely on goods transporters to run their businesses, adding that the PM should personally look into the problems of the transporters and get them resolved at the earliest so economic activities continue without any interruption.