Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Truckers strike cripples movement of goods

CHENNAI: The movement of goods came to a grinding halt from midnight Sunday, as a majority of truck operators joined the strike by truckers nationwide in support of their demands, including a cut in the prices of diesel and tyres and abolition of service tax.

A total of 4.5 lakh out of 5 lakh trucks in the State participated in the indefinite strike, the Federation of Tamilnadu Lorry Owners Association said here. However, such essential commodities as milk and medicine were exempt. The transport of eggs, sago and industrial products from Namakkal and Salem to various parts of the country was affected, with more than 40,000 lorries in the two districts going off the road.

Meanwhile, the Southern Region LPG Bulk Transport Owners Association withdrew its strike following a settlement on the fixation of transport charges.

The strike was complete in Tiruchi district, according to R.K. Prabakaran, secretary of the district lorry owners association. About 4,000 trucks went off the road. Wholesale vegetable and commodities dealers here said the arrival of vegetables was affected.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu