NE NEWS SERVICE
CHENNAI, SEPT 6
A transport fraternity that spends its days moving people and goods across highways turned its attention to saving lives and honouring the hands behind the wheel on Sunday, as the Akhil Bharatiya Transport Association (ABTA), Tamil Nadu, marked National Transport Day with a blood donation camp and a felicitation programme for around 200 drivers in Chennai.
The event brought together transporters, drivers, association representatives and police officials in a celebration that went beyond ceremonial recognition. The blood donation camp underlined a simple but powerful message: those who keep the wheels of the economy moving can also help keep the wheels of life turning.
Assistant Commissioner of Traffic Police, Poonamallee, C. Jay Chandran, and Assistant Commissioner of Police, Traffic Investigation, R. Alagesan, presided over the programme as chief guests.
The event was organised under the leadership of ABTA National Women President Anju Sharma and Tamil Nadu State President Hitender Walia.
200 drivers honoured
- ABTA Tamil Nadu marks National Transport Day with a blood donation camp and felicitation of around 200 drivers
- Life-saving gesture puts community service at the heart of transport fraternity’s celebrations
- Traffic police officials C. Jay Chandran and R. Alagesan preside over programme in Chennai
- Hitender Walia seeks a new Transport Nagar as Madhavaram grapples with congestion
- ABTA renews call for Transport Commission and Driver Commission to address industry concerns
- Association seeks official recognition for September 6 as National Transport Day
Around 200 drivers were felicitated with gifts in recognition of their contribution, dedication and service to the transport sector.
The recognition assumed added significance against the backdrop of the demanding working conditions faced by drivers, who form the critical link in the movement of essential commodities, industrial goods and passengers across the country.
The blood donation initiative added a humanitarian dimension to the celebrations, with transport fraternity members coming forward to contribute to a cause that can directly benefit patients requiring emergency and critical-care transfusions.
Call for a new Transport Nagar
Addressing the gathering, Hitender Walia highlighted the challenges confronting the transport industry and called upon the Tamil Nadu Government to establish a new Transport Nagar, pointing out that the Madhavaram transport area has become overcrowded and is facing serious traffic-related problems.
The demand comes amid the growing pressure on urban transport infrastructure as Chennai’s road network accommodates an expanding volume of commercial vehicles and freight movement.
Walia also appealed to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for the formation of a Transport Commission and Driver Commission to address the long-standing concerns of transporters and drivers across the country.
He further sought official recognition of September 6 as National Transport Day, giving the occasion a formal national identity and creating a dedicated platform to recognise the contribution of India’s transport workforce.
A day of service and solidarity
The programme was attended by several association leaders and dignitaries, including Chief Patron Hanuman Shekhawat, Rajkumar Tiwari, Dinesh Agrawal, National Yuva Prabhari Rakesh Dhanana, Tamil Nadu Prabhari Anil Gajraj, State Vice-President Sudheer Puniya and Mohan Sharma.
Presidents and representatives of various local transport associations in Chennai also participated and expressed support for the initiatives of ABTA.
Special support and cooperation for the successful conduct of the programme were extended by Praveen Yadav, CGTA President Anil Gupta and JP Roadways Kalyan. The contribution of Praveen Yadav to the organisation of the event was particularly appreciated.
The celebrations concluded on a note of unity, humanitarian service, respect for drivers and a renewed commitment to strengthening India’s transport sector.
