TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM: The State government on Thursday announced revision in the iron ore transportation rates, which are hiked by Rs two per tonne.
Nearly four million tonnes of ore lying at various sites would be transported till January 31, 2021 as per Supreme Court directions.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Thursday chaired a crucial meeting with the truck owners associations from North Goa, South Goa and Dharbandora along with the officials from mining companies and the Directorate of Mines and Geology. PWD Minister Deepak Pauskar and MLA Subhash Shirodkar were also present.
In a statement issued by CMO post meeting, the revised rates are Rs 14.50 per tonne for the first 10 kms as against the older rates of Rs 12.50 per tonne. Further, Rs 14 per tonne would be charged from 10 kms to 20 kms and Rs 13.50 per tonne beyond 20 kms.
“The Chief Minister intervened in the matter and the rates were finalised amicably by truck owners and mining companies,” CMO said adding that the rates are fixed at diesel price of Rs 52 per litre.
It also informed that there won’t be any government notification issued on revision of rates.
The rates were last revised in 2017. The truck owners had been demanding Rs 26 per tonne per kms rate. The iron ore mining activities in the State are at halt since March 2018.
Speaking to media persons post meeting, Pauskar said that truck owners are happy with the revised rate. He also said that further revision would be considered once the mining activities resume full-fledged.
“We expect the full-fledged mining activities to recommence in the coming season. Government is committed to ensure that mining resumes within this three months,” he said.
