Adani Cement plants resume ops in Himachal as CM Sukhu helps break deadlock with truckers

After two months, Adani Cement began operations of its two plants — Gagal and Darlaghat, from today in Himachal Pradesh (HP) after it arrived at a consensus with transporters and unions resolving differences over freight rates amid rising prices. A meeting was held by HP Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu to arrive at a breakthrough.

“We have arrived at a consensus, thereby protecting the interests of both the truck-operator unions and the management, besides the welfare of all others who were being directly or indirectly hit by the stalemate,” Sukhu said in a statement.

Interestingly, while the Chief Minister has taken credit for brokering the deal and reviving economic activity in the state, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has been criticising the Adani Group, remained silent on the issue.

Adani Cement acquired ACC and Ambuja Cement from Holcim last year.

A new freight rate has been fixed. The new freight rate is at Rs 10.3 per tonne per km for single axle trucks of 12 tonnes.

‘The new freight rates from tomorrow for single-axle trucks of 12 tons would be Rs 10.30 per ton per km for Ambuja Cements’ Darlaghat plant and ACC’s Gagal plant as compared to earlier rates of Rs 11.41 for ACC’s Gagal (Bilaspur district) and Rs 10.58 for Ambuja Cements’ Darlaghat units,” the Adani Group said in a statement.

Also read: Adani Enterprises posts Rs 820 crore net profit in Oct-Dec quarter