Odisha: Dhabas, garages along highways open
BHUBANESWAR: The government on Monday said at least 140 dhabas (eateries) and 223 garages have been operational along the state and national highways in the state during the lockdown. Last month, the state government had issued a notification allowing dhabas and garages to remain open for the convenience of the staff of goods vehicles.
“We have ensured that the distance between each dhaba is at least 20km. They have not been rendering their services to people other than the staff of goods vehicles. The dhabas provide food in parcels to the drivers and helpers of the goods vehicles. Nobody can sit and dine at the dhabas,” state transport commissioner Sanjeeb Panda said.
The garages have been asked to sell auto spare parts of transport vehicles. “Our aim is to ensure the seamless movement of intra and interstate trucks carrying essential and non-essential goods during the lockdown. We have asked the regional transport officers (RTOs) to ensure the proper enforcement of the order,” Panda said. He added, “The staff transporting goods will be able to have food and get their vehicles repaired if the dhabas and garages are open.”
Sambalpur and Sundargarh districts have the maximum number of dhabas at 16 each. At least 26 garages have been opened in Khurda, 21 each in Nayagarh and Sambalpur districts.
Earlier, the state government had issued a circular to the district collectors and superintendents of police for the smooth movement of goods vehicles in the state. The government had also asked the district collectors to grant permission accordingly through the civil supply officers and regional transport officers.
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