Free cover for truckers

A GIFT that lasts a lifetime and beyond awaits thousands of truck drivers this festive season.

An initiative of BP, one of the world's largest petrochemical companies which was formerly known as British Petroleum, truck drivers covered under the promotion will be provided with a free accident insurance cover.

The idea behind the programme, Mr. K.R. Venkataraman, General Manager-Marketing and Sales of BP, says, ``is to reassure the truck drivers, who spend most of their life driving the heavy vehicles, that there are people who care for them.''

Unlike other festive season promotions which are linked to purchases, this one comes without any riders. Of course, as a result of the programme, the recall value of the BP products - the company currently markets lubricant for diesel engine vehicles - would be enhanced.

But, why truckers? According to Mr. Venkataraman, they are one of the most neglected segments of society, despite playing a key role in aiding the development of the economy. A truck driver's job is full of risks and the threat of accidents is one of his biggest concerns. Hence, an accident insurance cover is what he requires most. In the process, BP ``wants to establish a positive impact on the lives of the drivers, and build and sustain a long- term relationship with them''.

Detailing the proposal, he says the multinational oil major and New India Assurance will provide accident insurance cover of Rs. one lakh, for six months, to around 80,000 truck drivers free of cost. The insurance package, only for drivers with valid driving licence and other necessary documents, will be accompanied by an attractive container, full of imported chocolates. The insurance certificate will be handed over to the drivers on-the-spot.

Special stalls will be put up by BP at 95 popular trucking centres in 14 States for the promotion, which would last for two days in each of the location. While it will be on November 10 and 11 in the Southern States, it will be conducted on November 11 and 12 for the rest of the country.

In Tamil Nadu, the promotion will be organised in Poonamallee near Chennai, Erode, Vellore, Nagercoil, Hosur and Walayar and cover around 6,000 drivers.

By N. Ravi Kumar

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