Dharmendra Rai Yadav is 30 years old, but the road has already given him a lifetime of experience. Originally from Vaishali district in Bihar, he now spends most of his days and nights far away from home, behind the wheel of a BharatBenz 5532. For the past seven years, he has been a steady part of Indore-based Shivani Carriers, a fleet operator known for handling diverse cargo across sectors with reliability. His journey into driving was not planned. It began with his elder brother, who was also a driver. Dharmendra started as a helper, learning slowly, observing closely, and eventually taking control of heavy vehicles himself. “I came into this line with my brother. At first; I just helped, then slowly learned to drive. From the beginning, I have only driven heavy vehicles,” he says simply.
Today, his regular route takes him from Bhavnagar in Gujarat to different parts of Karnataka. It is a long haul that stretches across states, landscapes, and unpredictable road conditions. Each trip takes around five to six days, followed by unloading and then the return journey, often with an empty load. The cargo he carries is not ordinary freight. It is soda, transported in a tanker, which requires careful handling and constant attention. Overloading or imbalance can create serious risks, and Dharmendra knows the responsibility that comes with it. “This is tanker work, not body load. You have to take care while filling and unloading. If something goes wrong, it becomes dangerous,” he explains.
Life on the road follows a routine that is both disciplined and demanding. Dharmendra drives for long hours, covering 400 to 500 kilometers a day. His day typically begins early in the morning after a few hours of rest at a roadside dhaba. Nights are spent wherever he finds space, often inside the cabin of his truck. The BharatBenz 5532, with its AC cabin, gives him some comfort, allowing him to rest and recover before the next stretch. Over time, he has learned to find small moments of ease even within a tough routine. “I drive the whole day. At night I stop at a dhaba, eat, sleep for a few hours, and then start again early morning,” he shares.
Despite the demanding schedule, Dharmendra remains deeply attentive to both his vehicle and the road. Every morning starts with basic checks. Water levels, tyres, brakes, and the overall condition of the truck are inspected before he begins the journey. Years of driving have shaped this discipline, helping him handle long distances with confidence and care. “First thing in the morning, I check the vehicle. Water, tyres, everything. Only after that I start. This is very important,” he says.
What stands out in Dharmendra’s story is not just endurance, but humanity. On highways that often feel lonely and unpredictable, there exists an unspoken bond between drivers. He recalls moments where drivers have supported each other in times of need, whether it was sharing water during a breakdown or offering help in difficult situations. These small gestures build a sense of community on the road.
“If someone is stuck and has no water or food, we help. On the road, drivers understand each other’s problems,” he says quietly.
Life on the highway also comes with sacrifices, especially time away from family. Dharmendra’s wife, mother, and young child live in Bihar, and he visits them only after long gaps. Yet, this distance has strengthened his sense of purpose. He sees his work as a way to build a better future for them, even if it means staying away for now. “Family stays at home in Bihar. We meet after many months, but whatever I do is for them,” he says.
While he acknowledges that driving is tough, Dharmendra looks at it with a practical and forward-looking mindset. For him, these years on the road are a stepping stone. They are helping him save, learn, and prepare for a more stable life closer to home. He dreams of starting a small business in the coming years, something that keeps him connected to his roots and family. “I am thinking of working hard for a few more years and then starting my own small business,” he says with quiet determination.
For now, the journey continues. Every trip he completes connects industries, supports livelihoods, and keeps the wheels of the economy turning. Dharmendra Rai Yadav may not seek recognition, but his story reflects resilience, responsibility, and hope for a better tomorrow.
“We just do our duty and move forward. Slowly, things will get better,” he says.
“Family stays at home in Bihar. We meet once in many months, but whatever I do is for them. I am thinking of working hard for a few more years and then starting my own small business.”