Mumbai based non-banking finance company Magma Fincorp in collaboration with the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA) plans to train 1.5 lakh truck drivers in the next three years with an aim to cut down fuel consumption and curb the number of accidents on roads.

Magma has successfully completed the first phase of Highway Heroes, a CSR programme where they have trained 1 lakh truck drivers. The movement was initiated in 2015 to achieve three unique feats – reducing environment pollution, increasing fuel efficiency and profitability of the truckers’ community and imparting safe driving skills.

In the first phase, permanent porta cabins and e-toilets have been installed in 8 high traffic transport nagars across the country. The porta cabins are being used to hold workshops for drivers on improving driving habits for better mileage and fuel conservation and their regular medical check-up and posture correction. Over 60,000 drivers have benefitted directly through the medical camps conducted in these porta cabins.

Alok Tripathi, Executive Director, PCRA said, “Over the years, PCRA has enlarged its role in improving productivity in use of various sources of energy, for the purpose of achieving environment protection and sustainable development. As far as transport sector is concerned there is a saving potential of about 20 per cent in this sector. He appreciated the joint initiative of MAGMA and PCRA for conducting drivers training workshops at various locations across India, covering about 100,000 drivers under the program till July.”
Kaushik Sinha, Vice President and National Head- Corp comm and CSR, Magma Fincorp, said, “The partnership with PCRA has enabled Magma to offer structured and qualified driving habits training to over 1 lakh truck so far. Magma has been working with this sector for a long time and has been continuously working for the well-being of the truckers. The skills imparted also allow the truckers to be profitable.” The workshops, he mentioned, also impart basic knowledge on hygiene, safety and fuel conservation to the truck drivers.

Sanjiv Jha, Business Head- North, Magma Fincorp added, “There is another issue that we have to look at – there are reports of a dip in the number of truck driver year on year in India which is alarming. One possible reason is that truck drivers are not getting due respect from the society and hence their next generation do not wish to join this profession. We urge the citizens to accord due respect this fraternity and acknowledge their role in building our country.”