Truckers call off strike in Telangana

Hyderabad, April 8: Truck operators in Telangana on Friday called off their indefinite strike.

This followed a breakthrough in the talks between the state government and leaders of the Telangana Lorry Owners' Association.

The association leaders announced that with the government responding positively to the state-level demands, they decided to end the strike.

Transport Minister Mahender Reddy told reporters after the second round of talks that the problems faced by truck owners would be resolved.

He said land would be provided for parking of trucks on the outskirts of Hyderabad. An area of 9.37 acres at Peddamberpet would be handed over to the transport department for the purpose.

Land would also be set aside at two other places on the city's outskirts.

He assured the association that the government would take up the issue of national level permit and hold talks with Andhra Pradesh government for a single permit.

The minister also promised steps for modernization of checkposts.



The government agreed to address the problems with regard to pollution and fitness testing, loading and unloading.

The government also constituted a five-member committee to address other demands

Member of Legislative Assembly Srinivas Goud, officials of transport department and representatives of association participated in the talks.

Bhaskar Reddy, a leader of the association, said the trucks would resume plying only in the state but they would back the national-level strike proposed from April 8.

Over two lakh trucks in Telangana were off the roads for nine days, affecting the movement of goods. The strike was beginning to impact the supply of essential commodities.

Transporters were on strike on a call given by the South India Motor Transport Association (SIMTA) to press for their demands including withdrawal of increase in the premium for third party insurance, hike in penalty and toll fee.

The truck operators in Andhra Pradesh and other southern states were also on strike.