Truckers continue strike in Telangana, Andhra

The indefinite strike by the truck owners in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to press for their various demands entered the third day on Saturday.

The movement of goods continued to be affected by the strike by lorry owners' associations in both the Telugu states as more than five lakh trucks remained off the roads for a third consecutive day.

Officials said the movement of essential commodities remained unaffected by the strike.

Transporters have exempted essential items like milk, vegetables, petrol and diesel from the strike.

Transport authorities have also made alternate arrangements to ensure uninterrupted supply of essentials. Officials, however, say if the strike continue beyond Sunday, this could impact movement of essentials.

The strike has been called by South India Motor Transport Association (SIMTA) to press for various demands including reduction in the rate of third party insurance.

SIMTA leaders said their future course of action would depend on the outcome of talks scheduled with Insurance Regulatory Development Authority (IRDA) here on Monday.

SIMTA member and Telangana Lorry Owners Association secretary G.Durga Prasad claimed 80 per cent of the transport vehicles, including lorries and mini vehicles, remained off the roads.

SIMTA is demanding withdrawal of the hike in the third party insurance premium, reduction in challan, toll and other Regional Transport Authority (RTA) fees.

While transporters in all six southern states have common demands, those in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are also seeking single permit system in the two states.

--IANS

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