Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 14: Transport services across Karnataka are likely to be disrupted as truck owners’ associations have called for an indefinite statewide strike from midnight on Monday, protesting against the rise in fuel prices, hike in toll charges, and alleged harassment by RTO officials.
The Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association (FOKSLOAA) and the Karnataka Goods Transporters’ Association have jointly announced the strike, with support extended by the All India Motor Transport Congress.
As many as six lac trucks and lorries are expected to stay off the roads from Tuesday, which could severely impact the supply of essential commodities, including construction materials, fuel, and groceries. Truck owners had earlier set April 14 as the deadline for the government to act on their demands, including a rollback in diesel prices.
With no resolution from the government, the associations confirmed that the strike would begin at midnight.
Speaking to the media, G R Shanmugappa, president of FOKSLOAA, said the strike was being launched to press for five major demands, including the abolition of RTO check posts and a rollback of the diesel price hike.
"Why does Karnataka alone need RTO check posts? In the last six years, since Siddaramaiah became chief minister, we have refrained from any protests. Now, even LPG tankers will stop loading from tonight," Shanmugappa said.
He further stated that a national-level protest would be discussed during a meeting on April 27 and 28.
The associations are demanding a rollback of the recent VAT hike on diesel, which has increased fuel prices by Rs 5 per litre over nine months, citing a steep rise in operational costs. They have also raised concerns over continued harassment and extortion at toll plazas, despite the implementation of GST which was expected to streamline interstate transport.
Truck owners have also opposed the proposed increase in the fitness renewal fee for older vehicles and have called for the lifting of unreasonable no-entry restrictions in Bengaluru, which they claim are causing delays and losses. Allegations of harassment by NBFCs and microfinance institutions, including unlawful vehicle seizures, have also been raised.
Essential goods movement, construction materials supply, and fuel transportation are expected to be among the worst-hit sectors if the strike continues.