As a protest by District Lorry Owners’ Association, more than 1,000 mine lorries remained off roads on Monday. They demand an increase in the rent of lorries.
Hundreds of lorries that transport iron ore from the mine areas, were lined up at the City’s lorry terminal. The lorry owners have decide to go on an indefinite strike.
The authorities of Regional Transport Department’s special team was fining thousands of rupees to the owners of lorry carrying more weight than permitted since November 1.
As it was not possible for them to pay such heavy fine, they had to keep the lorries off roads, District Lorry Owners Association President K Venkatarao said.
As the lorries were hired for less amount, they were carrying more weight. But now, as per rules, only 10 tonnes for six wheel trucks and 17 tonnes for 10 wheel trucks is permitted. With no other option, they had to take this step.
There are 1,119 trucks recorded at the local Regional Transport Office. These lorries work in the mines area. They transport materials from Obalapuram, Hagari, Jindal Factory, Allipuram, Karignuru and other areas. Each day, about 30,000 tonne ore is being transported. Obalapuram Mining Company, VGM, TB, YM and other mining companies transport mines through these lorries.
As the rent paid for transportation was less, they used to make up by carry more than the permitted weight. But now, it is difficult to make ends meet. Hence, the rent has been increased by 50 per cent, the lorry owner have demanded.
This decision of the lorry owners has been brought to the notice of mine owners and transporters. The lorries will start running as soon as their demand is fulfiled, they added.