Truckers Strike Hits Movement of Goods to Kerala

Palakkad:

Movement of goods to Kerala was badly hit today by the indefinite strike by truck owners and employees demanding basic facilities at Walayar check-post in Palakkad bordering with Tamil Nadu.

The strike commenced last night in response to the call given by Toll Committee of All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) demanding immediate steps to avoid "inordinate" delay in clearing of trucks at the Walayar check-post.

Nearly 3,000 lorries cross to Kerala everyday, considered largely a consumer state, through this check post transporting various goods, including vegetables, eggs, chicken, textile and electronic and electric goods, but none are being operated since last night.

AIMTC's demands include opening up of ten counters, against the present three, installation of scanner machines, a green channel for perishable goods and cloak room facilities for lorry workers.

The trucks carrying goods have to wait for 10 to 12 hours at Walayar check post for clearance, it was stated.

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Meanwhile, state Finance Minister KM Mani urged the truckers to call off the agitation, saying steps had already been taken to improve facilities at the check-post.

He said it has been decided to open 14 'In and Out' counters and steps have been taken to acquire 30 acres of land for providing basic facilities.

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The land acquisition was getting delayed due to a stay order by court and the government was in the process of getting it vacated, he said.