Truck fleet demand, utility down: Think tank report

21 Apr 2021 Editorial Team

As the second wave of Covid-19 makes its way into the country, affecting various industrial sectors severely, truck rentals have now plunged beyond expectation.

According to a report by the transport sector think tank Indian Foundation of Transport Research and Training (IFTRT), fleet utilisation is down to 60%. Given the emerging trend of truck drivers preparing to return to their hometowns or villages to escape the new wave of coronavirus, the situation for trade, commerce and industry are grim, leading to panic in the transport business. Ashok Leyland, Eicher, and M&M are down 2-4%.

The IFTRT report states that the new wave of Covid has led to a decline in the arrival of food and vegetable items at the mandis (Agriculture Produce Market Committees or APMC).

APMCs were set up by the state governments to ensure good price discovery for farmers and to prevent retailers from having an undue bargaining advantage.

The new wave has led to a 10-15% drop in demand from restaurants and hotels. Dispatches from factory gates also dropped lower by a similar 10-15%.

The worst hit was production in Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), although diesel and tyre prices have remained unchanged from March 2021.

If the situation remains dull, it will affect the payment of EMI on truck purchase loans. Truck rentals might see unions demand yet another moratorium.

Round trip rentals for 18-20 tonne payload trucks:

Delhi-Mumbai-Delhi: down 16%
Delhi–Nagpur–Delhi: down 10%
Delhi-Ranchi-Delhi: down 15%
Delhi-Chennai-Delhi: down 13%
Delhi-Kandla-Delhi: down 15%

Image Source

Also read: Container prices in India and China surge: Container xChange report

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..