Driver Empowerment and Welfare Initiative by Eicher and IOCL
Published On Jan 09, 2017
In an industry-first initiative, designed for driver empowerment and welfare, the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) and Eicher Trucks and Buses (a division of VE Commercial Vehicles) have tied-up to introduce an innovative Driver Pragati Kendra. The Manesar based facility, which is an IOCL COCO outlet, has been specially designed as a complete solution to address fatigue management, road safety and share best practices for people involved in the driving profession.
Mr. Sajjan Kumar, Executive Director (DSO) at IOCL, while speaking at the inauguration event, said, “Infrastructure at COCO Manesar is a benchmark retail outlet to provide superior customer experience. It provides good resting place for drivers and other facilities like hygienic food, medical room, salon, self-cooking area and clean washrooms. It has an open air theatre where driver can enjoy popular Bollywood movies and watch global award winning education films developed by Eicher. Proper relaxation will promote stress free driving and avoid road accidents.”
In India, 75 percent of road accidents are caused due to driving mistakes, and last year, 1.4 lakh people lost their lives in road accidents. These figures can definitely come down if drivers are not fatigued as adequate rest and sleep is very crucial for them.
The Driver Pragati Kendra will also help induct commercial vehicle drivers within the realms of respectable society by giving them access to basic amenities. The Driver Pragati Kendra is a specially designed facility with services like dormitory accommodation, bathing & washing areas, laundry facility, food at subsidized rates and recreational facilities along with access to cash vending machines.
Speaking as the Chief Guest at the occasion, Mr. Vinod Aggarwal, MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles, said, “Eicher has always strived to improve the working conditions of commercial vehicle drivers who face tough working conditions, hardships and need an environment wherein they can easily access their daily needs to improve their efficiency and to de-stress after a long journey. We will be conducting training programs which will enhance their professional and personal life skills. In the initial phase, 200 drivers will benefit from this program every month at this facility, which will be scaled up gradually. The Driver Pragati Kendra is a first of its kind initiative and also reflects Eicher’s commitment for driver empowerment and welfare.”
