Bilasipara, June 1: A tense situation unfolded at Tilapara in Assam’s Dhubri district after dozens of truck drivers staged a protest over alleged delays in unloading cement consignments at a private project site near National Highway 17.
According to the agitating drivers, around 60 trucks carrying cement had arrived from Jogighopa over the past two days. However, only a small number of vehicles had been unloaded, leaving many trucks stranded for extended periods. Frustrated by the delay, the drivers parked their vehicles near the project site’s entrance and launched a protest demanding immediate action.
The protesters alleged that despite waiting for days, they received no clear information regarding when the remaining consignments would be unloaded. Drivers also claimed that they were facing difficulties due to the lack of access to basic amenities, including drinking water, sanitation facilities, and resting areas.
Several drivers said they were forced to keep their vehicles parked along the highway because there was no designated parking space available. They expressed concern that prolonged delays were causing operational losses and creating inconvenience for both drivers and helpers.
According to the protesters, project officials cited labour shortages and operational constraints as reasons for the slow unloading process. However, the drivers argued that a large number of trucks should not have been called to the site unless adequate arrangements had been made.
The agitation briefly disrupted normal activities around the project site as drivers demanded a resolution to their grievances. They urged the concerned authorities and management to streamline the unloading process and ensure basic facilities for transport workers who often spend days away from home while delivering goods.
As of the latest reports, discussions were underway to resolve the issue, though many of the trucks remained unloaded. The drivers warned that they would continue their protest until concrete steps were taken to address their concerns.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by transport workers involved in supplying materials to large infrastructure projects, particularly when logistical arrangements fail to keep pace with the volume of incoming vehicles.
