Synopsis
A truckers' strike in Karnataka has halted goods transportation to Tamil Nadu, significantly affecting commerce as truckers protest against diesel price hikes and toll charges.Key Takeaways
- The strike was initiated to protest rising diesel prices.
- It significantly disrupted transportation on National Highway 948.
- Only essential goods continued to be transported.
- Approximately six lakh truckers are participating in the strike.
- The strike's impacts extend to trade between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
Chennai, April 15 (NationPress) The flow of goods between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka was severely disrupted on Tuesday due to an indefinite strike by truck operators in Karnataka.
This strike, which began at midnight on Monday, aims to protest the recent increase in diesel prices and to call for a reduction in toll fees. It has notably impacted the transit of trucks on National Highway 948 (Dindigul- Mysuru), especially along the heavily trafficked Sathyamangalam-Bannari-Dhimbam-Hasanur segment.
This vital route, measuring 29 km through the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) — from the Bannari checkpost to the Karapallam forest checkpoint at the Karnataka border — typically sees a high volume of truck traffic from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
However, on Tuesday, the majority of trucks, aside from those delivering essential goods, were off the roads. Numerous vehicles loaded with vegetables, fruits, milk, poultry, sugarcane, coir, and other agricultural and industrial products were seen parked along the roadsides in Sathyamangalam and nearby regions.
Truck operators from Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, and other adjacent districts — who regularly utilize this corridor for trade between the two states — have stated they will not resume operations until the strike is called off.
Checkposts at Bannari and Karapallam, usually bustling with activity, were eerily quiet, with only a handful of private vehicles passing through.
A Forest Department representative mentioned that typically, more than 1,200 trucks transit through the Karapallam checkpost daily, ferrying goods between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. “On Monday, lorry movement had already decreased by 50 percent. By Tuesday, it was minimal,” the official noted.
Truck owners confirmed that loading and dispatch of vehicles would only recommence after the strike is officially lifted.
Truckers linked with the Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association (FKSLOA) are protesting against escalating diesel prices and unresolved toll-related issues.
This strike follows the Karnataka government’s decision to increase the diesel sales tax from 18.44 percent to 21.17 percent, effective April 1. This change has led to a rise in diesel prices by Rs 2.05 per litre, increasing operational costs for transporters.
The indefinite strike involves around six lakh truckers, including drivers, agents, and truck owners, and has started to influence the movement of goods into Tamil Nadu, with truckers from that state being advised to refrain from entering Karnataka.
