JOIN USLorry owners and transporters stayed off roads on Monday protesting against double taxation in Goods and Service Tax (GST) and rising diesel prices.
Barring those who transport essential services like medicine, milk, vegetables and fuel, transportation of all other goods came to a halt. Lorries carrying construction materials as well as commercial goods were seen parked along the highways across the state.
It is estimated that around 25,000 lorries transport sand with Bengaluru receiving 3,000 of the 15,000 loads per day. The strike hit construction activities, and labourers in the sector had to go without work.
“The strike has led to a loss of Rs 150 crore. Most of the lorry owners in the state have joined the strike which will continue tomorrow (Tuesday),” said Southzone Motor Transporters, Welfare Association General Secretary G R Shanmugappa.
He said around six lakh lorries ply on the highways in the state every day. “Today, 4.5 lakh lorries stayed off roads. Some lorries are plying in the city limits and these will stop tomorrow,” he said.
DH News Service