Transporters go on strike, major highways empty

BENGALURU: The Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners and Agent’s Associations has launched an indefinite strike over rising diesel prices and other regulatory concerns. On the first day of the strike on Tuesday, major highways in the state saw sparce movement of trucks.

The Chennai highway and Old Madras Road between Kolar and Hoskote, which usually see lakhs of lorries daily, were empty on Tuesday. Except for a few lorries, most state and national highways were deserted, with hardly any vehicles in sight.

The strike has affected movement of goods across the region. The association got partial support from lorry owners to the strike call. Movement of daily-use commodities like vegetables, rice, groceries and other items remained unaffected.

Shanmugam, president of the Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners and Agent’s Associations, said that the strike will not be called off under any situation. They had put forth three demands to the ministers, who have taken three months to consider them. The ministers have agreed to hold meetings with other states and assured that certain charges won’t be implemented. The major demands are reduction in state highway toll fees and a decrease in diesel prices.

“A meeting has been scheduled with the Chief Minister to discuss state highway tolls and diesel prices. The department had said that toll and diesel prices are reduced. The strike will continue until these issues are resolved”, Shanmugam added.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the government has held discussions with the Lorry Owners Association. “The association has demanded a reduction in diesel prices, which will be decided by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Decisions on checkposts and tolls also rest with the CM”, he said.

The minister questioned, “We have increased the price of diesel by Rs 2 per litre. We increased the price five to six months back too, after our government came to power. What about the central government? How many times have they increased the price? Why did they not protest against the central government? Why only protest against state government?”

“A meeting has been scheduled to discuss the association’s demands and find a solution. The police department determines entry of goods vehicle into cities, and the issue of fitness certificates for old vehicles are still in draft form”, he said.

Truck owners have raised multiple concerns, including the proposed increase in fitness certificate renewal charges for older vehicles. The fitness certificate is still in draft form and hasn’t been finalized yet. The minister said this will be discussed further when fixing rates.

Addressing traffic-related concerns, the minister said, “Police are restricting vehicles from entering Bengaluru in peak hours because of traffic. This should be solved by the police department”.

He also commented on the demand to abolish toll plazas. “They are asking to abolish the State Toll Plazas. But the central government also maintains toll plazas. They are asking for the abolition of only state toll plazas. Why not central government toll plazas?” he questioned.