Centre to commune with transporters today

The indefinite strike by transporters in the state entered its second day today even as a four-member delegation representing them was scheduled to hold a meeting with Union Shipping Minister T R Baalu tomorrow to discuss the issue on mandatory installation of speed governors.

Over seven lakh commercial vehicles went off the roads in Karnataka yesterday in protest against mandatory installation of speed governors (a device to control speed) for all commercial vehicles.

"Some of our members met the minister today and the minister has agreed to hold a meeting at New Delhi tomorrow.

At the meeting, the delegation would discuss the practical difficulties in installing speed governors," a representative of the Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners and Agents Association said.

The transporters' body claimed that while the cost of a speed governor is around Rs 3,000 in Delhi, it is as high as Rs 16,000 in Karnataka.

They had also said that it was not mandatory for vehicles from other states to be fitted with the device which creates practical difficulties for vehicles originating from other states and entering Karnataka to abide by this rule.

The Karnataka High court had on February 12 directed the state government to ensure that all commercial vehicles plying in the state are fitted with the device by June 30.

The impact of the strike was muted today with several companies who use the private transport vehicle being closed today due to the weekly holiday.

However, the impact of the strike was expected to be felt more tomorrow, following the decision of cab operators to join the strike.