Bengaluru, April 17 (NationPress) The truck owners' associations in Karnataka have officially ended their indefinite statewide strike as of Thursday. This strike was initiated in response to the increased sales tax on fuel, rising toll charges, and alleged harassment from RTO officials.

While the government has yet to decide on reversing the diesel price hike, it has addressed other significant demands made by the truckers.

The Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association (FOKSLOAA) and the Karnataka Goods Transporters’ Association collaborated in calling for this indefinite strike. They received backing from the All India Motor Transport Congress, the leading body for motor transport operators, which includes various state and regional associations.

During a press conference in Bengaluru on Thursday, G.R. Shanmugappa, President of FOKSLOAA, announced the strike's cessation and expressed gratitude to the Congress-led government for their responsiveness to the truckers' needs.

“We presented five legitimate concerns to the state government. Border check posts have been abolished nationwide, so why do they remain active at Karnataka’s borders? Why is there a need to collect money there? The RTO is causing undue difficulties,” Shanmugappa commented.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has committed to examining the situation concerning border check posts in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat within a month. Minister Reddy also assured that all border check posts in Karnataka will be dismantled within three months, as stated by Shanmugappa.

Furthermore, he mentioned: “Diesel pricing was a significant concern. The government has not yet established a fixed rate for trucks as it has done for autos and taxis. Past administrations have overlooked this. However, the current government has pledged to determine fares based on distance and per-tonne rates within a month. This assurance provides us with relief.”

On the matter of toll inconsistencies on state highways, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that tolls would be eliminated once infrastructure costs are recouped. A review committee will be formed to evaluate this issue.

Regarding the “no-entry” regulation, which prohibited goods vehicles from entering the city post 5 a.m., truckers requested that medium goods vehicles transporting essential commodities, such as vegetables, milk, diesel, and petrol, be allowed to operate until 10 a.m. Home Minister G. Parameshwara has accepted this proposal, and the new regulation will be enacted soon, Shanmugappa noted.

He also emphasized the problem of unlicensed tractors operating in and around Bengaluru. “Approximately 30,000 tractors transport debris and dispose of it into drains. They do not pay any taxes. The government has promised to tackle this issue.”

Shanmugappa also pointed out: “Previously, truck drivers from other states had to physically come to Karnataka to settle fines after being charged. Now, an online payment mechanism has been established. We appreciate the government for this initiative.”