TN truckers to stay away from strike

Lorry and trucks owners in Tamil Nadu have decided not to take part in a strike called by Lorry Owners' Association across south India against the delay in implementing concession in toll charges that was agreed in 2010 and diesel prices.

The development comes after representatives from the state Lorry Owners' Federation met Tamil Nadu chief minister on Thursday. The federation has decided to run the 500,000 lorries in the state.

Tamil Nadu Road Transport Federation president R Sukumar said they have put forth their demands to the chief minister, got an assurance that she would look into the issue and take necessary steps. "Following this, we decided not to participate in the strike and to run 500,000 lorries,” he said.

 

The supply of essentials like rice and pulses that come under the PDS, as well as petrol and diesel will not get affected, he added.

The truck owners across south had decided to go on an indefinite strike from the night of August 18 protesting the Central government's inaction on their long-pending demands.

The truck owners want the government to implement toll concession which was agreed in 2010. They say the government agreed to reduce the toll charges by 50 per cent, if the truck operates within the district.

“They are also charging toll for six ways, while the road is only four ways in some parts of Tamil Nadu," Sukumar said.

The truck owners also protesting against hike in the third party insurance which rose by 69 per cent. Earlier, truck owners were paying Rs 6,400 which was now increased to Rs 11,800, said Chennakesavan.

On the diesel price, he said, “We have been asking the government to reduce the price for a long time, but still they haven't heard." The estimated loss, had the strike gone as scheduled, would be about Rs 2,500 crore a day during the strike, he said.