Drivers face dizzying work hours, conditions during Ganesh immersion

Hyderabad: Drivers of the one lakh-odd vehicles engaged for the procession and immersion of Ganesh idols across the state faced several problems as they had to work for 30-36 hours without a break during the festivities.

They said that they faced physical and mental fatigue, as loud music was played continuously, vehicles moved slowly, vehicles were overloaded and unruly traffic behaviour took place during the festivities. “We can’t even attend to nature’s call and we have to hold it for hours,” a trucker said.

Most of the vehicles, ranging from 24-wheel trailers to 16, 14, 12 or 6-wheeler trucks and DCM trucks and mini lorries, were hired in areas within GHMC limits.

Manchireddy Rajender Reddy, the president of Telangana Lorry Owners Associations, said that the government was urged to make arrangements for additional drivers so that each person gets time to relax.

 “Vehicle owners express their happiness as they are serving Ganesh. In one way, we are the Mushika Vahan. The government should set up meetings, at least a month prior, with transport unions and sensitise the drivers as well the pandal organisers on the situation,” he said.