Strike by private drivers at Talcher coalfield called off

About 5000 drivers and operators engaged under private transport contractors at Talcher coalfield, who were on cease work strike since Saturday, have called off their agitation.

The strike had hit coal output and dispatch from the coalfield badly.

The drivers association withdrew the strike after the Mahanadi Coalfield (MCL) authorities met two of their main demands, said working president of the association Biranchi Sahu.

As per the arrangement, MCL would deploy local drivers for removal of over burdens in the Bhubaneswari mine. On the issue of provident fund deduction and deposit, MCL authorities have assured to convene a meeting of provident fund officials, transport companies to sort out the matter.The two-day strike had hit coal supply Nalco and NTPC badly. The 3000 Mw NTPC power plant at Kaniha which depends on Talcher coal to run the unit had to reduce its load due to depleting coal stock during the last two days. “We received only five rakes against the normal supply of 15 rakes per day from Talcher, said a NTPC official.