Transporters' to press for multiple demands

With the transporter’s strike slated to take a toll on the State’s supplies, Radhakrishna Holla, general secretary, Bangalore Tourist Taxi Owners Association, said the association demanded parking space for taxis in the city. 

The demand also included converting civic amenity sites into parking lots for private taxis and vehicles. The association claimed that it had 85,000 vehicles under its wing, of which 4,500 are City taxis, 25,000 maxi cabs and 55,000 other luxury vehicles used for tourism. 

The agitation, according to Holla was also supported by the Federation of Karnataka State Taxi and Maxi Cab Owners Association. The taxis and tourist vehicles would come to a halt in Mysore, Mangalore, Udupi, Shimogha, Hubli and Davangere. However some of the taxi drivers and owners associations in the City have remained non-commital about their support to the strike, backtracking from their previous stand. 

Meanwhile, criticising the State government for its adamance, G R Shanmugappa, president, Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association, claimed that the Andhra Pradesh Lorry Owners Association, Southern LPG Gas Tankers’ Association and Pondichery and Kerala lorry associations have also supported the agitation.

Reiterating his demands, Shanmugappa said more sand permits should be issued, diesel prices should be controlled, demand for truck terminals should be considered, overload limit should be revised, minimum qualification of 8th pass for issue of licence should be done away with and measures should be taken for providing parking facilities to vehicles from outside Karnataka.