Straight Drive

Bhushan Mhapralkar

Oxygen tankers outside hospitals; on the roads, and on ‘oxygen’ trains is once again an indication of how important CVs are for a civil society. This should inturn also reflect the role played by its drivers , operators and the entire ecosystem surrounding them. If the CVs used by politicians to conduct election rallies – Covid-19 or no Covid-19, are important, it is the ones that are engaged in the supply of oxygen, vaccines, medicines and other essentials – not to forget ambulances – that are currently ensuring that the nation’s many activities, often essential, do not come to a standstill. When the Covid-19 pandemic unleashed itself last year, it were the CVs that ensured the nation’s wheels kept on turning. Its drivers and operators braved the harassment of the authorities despite carrying essential goods in what has come to termed as the world’s strictest lock down. The situation hurt the transporters. It hurt the entire CV industry among many others. Despite the risks taken by CV drivers, they were hardly presented a helping hand in need. With the second (Covid-19) wave, the already distressed CV industry could be looking at further damage being caused to it. Tough times lie ahead.

“TOUGH TIMES LIE AHEAD”.