The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), representing truckers, transporters, and bus & tourist operators, celebrated the 
Drivers Day in New Delhi on November 4 coinciding with the Vishwakarma Day. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. was the key sponsor of the event, and Mr. T.S. Khawaja, General Manager (Incharge), and Mr. C.M. Kachroo, General Manager (Retail Sales), graced the occasion on behalf of the Corporation.
The other key dignitaries who were present on the occasion included Mr. Gurinder Pal Singh, former AIMTC President, Mr. Kultaran Singh Atwal, AIMTC Vice President, and Mr. Gunjeet Singh Sangha and Mr. Tarlochan Singh Dhillon, Vice President and General Secretary respectively of the Federation of Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar.
The celebration attracted a huge crowd of more than 10,000 drivers, truckers, transporters, mechanics, helpers and cleaners.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Oscar Fernandes, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, who was the chief guest on the occasion, sympathized with the conditions of drivers and reiterated the Government initiatives to provide them the basic amenities on the highways. A new scheme is currently being worked out by the Petroleum Ministry in this regard, under which petrol pumps would provide rest rooms, water supply and other facilities to the drivers.
He also referred to the toll permit proposal and other issues raised in the report submitted by AIMTC, and gave the assurance that his Ministry would consider them at the earliest.
Mr. Bal Malkit Singh, AIMTC President, in his address, said: “The drivers play a vital role in keeping the supply lines of food and sundry things to the remotest corners of the country. Undoubtedly, they are a very important asset to AIMTC. Like the soldiers on the battlefront, they render a service no less noble. These unsung heroes transport the daily necessities from one part to another after facing a lot of difficulties and driving on dangerous roads. They are the mainstay of our road transport trade and are the key to its survival. Without drivers, the whole supply chain is broken and the whole economy may go haywire”.
While the Government honours teachers, sports persons, artisans and others, it hardly recognises the important role played by drivers of commercial vehicles. On its part, AIMTC hopes to celebrate and commemorate the Vishwakarma Day as Drivers Day every year. This little effort can change the destiny of drivers who feel so alienated from the mainstream society, he added.