Rajkumar Choudhary
Gaggal (Kangra)
While shopkeepers and homeowners are already affected by the expansion of Gaggal Airport, local three-wheeler pickup drivers are now facing unemployment. On Saturday, pickup vehicle owners from Gaggal met the Deputy Commissioner of Kangra and submitted a memorandum seeking relief.
The drivers explained that their vehicles were primarily engaged in transporting iron rods, cement, and construction materials from shops in Gaggal market. With these shops being displaced due to the airport expansion, their work has come to a complete halt. Many drivers had purchased vehicles by taking loans ranging from ₹5 to ₹10 lakh, but with no income, their bank installments are bouncing and family livelihoods are under severe strain.
They demanded that their vehicles be given priority in airport construction, material transport, and related work to sustain their employment. If this is not possible, they urged the administration to provide monthly unemployment allowance or business-loss compensation until permanent rehabilitation is ensured.
The drivers further pointed out that while compensation is being provided to shopkeepers and property owners, local loading vehicle operators are being ignored. They appealed to the government to include them in the rehabilitation plan, stressing that their survival depends on fair treatment and support.
