Dankuni Durgapur Expressway blocked against Centre's new Transport Act

• Dankuni Durgapur Expressway blocked as truck drivers protest the proposed Transport Act's strict penalties
• Stranded vehicles, including buses and bamboo trucks, cause inconvenience to ordinary passengers
• Police warn of potential baton charge as tensions escalate, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the blockade

The Dankuni Durgapur Expressway came to a standstill on Sunday morning as truck drivers staged a protest against the impending Transport Act proposed by the central government. The bill, set to introduce strict penalties, including a 10-year jail term or a hefty fine of 5 lakhs for erring drivers on national highways, has triggered discontent among truck drivers.

The sudden blockade created chaos on one of the busiest national highways, leaving various vehicles stranded near the Dankuni toll plaza. The affected vehicles included long-distance buses and bamboo-laden trucks, inconveniencing ordinary passengers. The situation escalated as truck drivers, in protest, not only blocked the highway but also resorted to burning tires. Police officers immediately responded from Dankuni police station to manage the situation. Attempts were made to reason with the truck drivers and clear the blockade, but the drivers remained adamant in their protest. The standoff prompted a larger police force to be dispatched from the Chandannagar Police Commissionerate.

Amid the escalating tensions, police officials warned of imminent action, including the possibility of a baton charge, if the blockade was not lifted promptly. The standoff underscores the deep-seated grievances of truck drivers against the proposed Transport Act, with the authorities prepared for decisive measures to restore normalcy.