However, the real estate industry suffered a blow with supply of cement, sand, steel and gravel coming to an abrupt halt on Wednesday.Huned Shirpurkarwala of Indian Cements said drivers have abandoned loaded and empty truckers in view of the nationwide strike against the new hit-and-run law.
Gaurav Agrawal, owner of Sandeep Dwellers Pvt Ltd, said as of now there is no shortage of construction material at the sites “but if the issue is not resolved soon, it will create problem for the real estate industry”.
Shirpurkarwala said cement is not being dispatched anywhere in the state. “This is affecting menial labourers,” he said.
APMC office-bearer Nandkishore Gaur said there was steady flow of vehicles and trucks from as far as Jodhpur were reaching Nagpur on time. “The essential supplies have been protected by the police. So, drivers are not scared of working on these tempos and trucks,” Gaur said.
Around 100 drivers sat on an indefinite strike at Samvidhan Square while over 50 drivers backed by Congress blocked Central Avenue for 30 minutes.
Wasim Khan, president of Nagpur Congress Committee Minority Cell, said they are demanding repeal of the new law. “We will go on a hunger strike along with the drivers if the law is not repealed,” he said.
Kukku Marwah, president, Nagpur Truckers’ Unity, said the union held a meeting with truck owners in Nagpur to discus the issue. “Home minister Amit Shah must tell everyone that the new law will not be enforced. If any law related to us is planned, then it must be discussed with All India Motor Transport Congress,” he said.