Transporters to go on strike from Tuesday midnight

BENGALURU: The Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners and Agent’s Associations has announced a indefinite strike from midnight on Tuesday against the state government seeking fulfilment of five major demands.

These include reducing diesel prices, abolishing state highway toll plazas, removing RTO checkposts, decreasing Fitness Certificate charges and allowing goods vehicles in urban areas. Association president G R Shanmugappa said that despite these demands being raised, there have been no discussions with the government.

“The strike, which will see around 6,00,000 lorries halted across the state, is the last resort after years of inaction. Talks are scheduled for April 27 and 28, and if unresolved, a nationwide lorry strike will follow”, he told the media.

The transporters are questioning why only Karnataka needs RTO checkposts and said they won’t even refill LPG tankers. They claim to have received moral support from airport taxi drivers and haven’t protested for six years, even under Siddaramaiah’s government. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has requested lorry owners to call off their strike.

Karnataka Medium Goods Transporters’ Association president Murugan stated that there are 3,00,000 medium goods vehicles, and the burden is unbearable, making it hard for them to survive. He mentioned that diesel prices have increased by ₹5.50 in the last seven months. “In Bengaluru, goods vehicles are only allowed to ply for 5 hours, and there’s entry restriction on Saturdays and Sundays. We will park medium goods vehicles in front of every house in the state and won’t drive any trucks on the roads” he said.

“I have had two phone conversations with lorry owners’ association officials and leaders. The central government has repeatedly increased petrol and diesel prices over the past decade, even when the dollar rate was low, without any strikes being held. Now, immediately after the state government hiked excise duty, they have called for a strike”, Ramalinga Reddy said.

“The transport commissioner has held a meeting with lorry owners’ association representatives, requesting them to withdraw the strike. In the interest of the public and farmers, strikes are not beneficial. I appeal to lorry owners to call off the strike for the greater good”, Reddy added.