Small scale bearing manufacturers demand immediate toll relief, warn of possible agitation

Industrialists from Punjab’s manufacturing hubs gathered in Goraya on Friday for the annual meeting of the Small Scale Bearing Manufacturers Association, where frustration over mounting logistical issues erupted into a unified demand for urgent government intervention.

The primary concern raised was the immediate issuance of monthly vehicle passes at the Ladowal Toll Plaza — a long-standing issue that remains unresolved despite repeated assurances from toll authorities.

Chaired by Harjeevan Jain, the meeting witnessed unanimous anger over what was described as deliberate administrative delays. Jain pointed out that toll officials had promised to issue monthly passes between June 25 and 27, but not a single pass has been issued so far. “This delay is more than an inconvenience — it’s an economic obstacle. Factory owners are forced to pay daily toll charges, impacting transportation costs, production timelines and overall competitiveness,” he stated.

The association’s demand is clear: implement a monthly toll pass system for industrial vehicles to ease the financial and logistical burden on small-scale manufacturers. Members argued that the current system penalizes regular goods carriers and disrupts the smooth movement of raw materials and finished products, especially for units operating on tight margins.

Ashok Kumar, an industrialist from Phagwara, emphasised the need for unity among the sector’s stakeholders. “We cannot expect our voices to be heard unless we speak together. If we remain united, the state and central governments will have to address our issues,” he said, assuring full support from the Phagwara unit to their Goraya counterparts. The association also urged both the Punjab government and the National Highways Authority of India to establish a standardized, MSME-friendly toll policy across the state.

Beyond toll-related issues, the meeting also addressed emerging risks to small businesses. Ishu Thakur, State Coordinator of the Foundation for MSME Punjab, delivered a speech on cybersecurity, urging manufacturers to take preventive measures against rising digital threats. He noted that even small enterprises are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks as they digitise their operations.

The gathering saw strong participation from industrial figures and association members, all united in their core message: industrial growth cannot occur without systemic support and the first step is removing barriers that hinder daily operations. The association has warned that if no action is taken in the coming days, they may resort to coordinated agitation to press their demands further.

Jalandhar