Road transport sector stakeholders said they were “disappointed” with the budget, with the transporters’ body claiming that none of the issues they discussed have been taken up. “The road transport fraternity of India is deeply pained by the government’s callous attitude towards this sector. As the highest taxpayer to the exchequer and the second highest in terms of employment generation, after agriculture, the road transport sector had hoped for positive outcomes through constructive engagement with the government. Unfortunately, these hopes have been in vain,” said Bal Malkit Singh, chairman,  core committee, former president, All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC).

“We had submitted a detailed budget memorandum to the Finance Minister, anticipating some relief for this sector. However, it seems that the heartfelt pleas of those working in this sector could not penetrate the iron-walled ministry, as not a single benefit was granted. The macro-objects of infrastructure and tourism development in Odisha and Bihar (as part of political exigencies) are the only solace for our brethren from the passenger transport and tourism sector,” he said. “The viability of this sector is increasingly threatened from multiple taxations, rampant corruption and rising input costs such as diesel, tolls, third-party insurance, and tyre prices. We are profoundly disappointed with the current budget, as it not only fails to meet the expectations of those working in this sector but also those of the common man,” he added.