Trucks in southern states to go off road from tomorrow

NAMAKKAL, TAMIL NADU: Truck operators in southern states today announced an indefinite strike from tomorrow demanding lowering of the toll rates for highways.

Around 22 lakh lorries in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry will be off the roads from August 1 midnight, Tamil Nadu Lorry Owners Federation President K Nallathambi, spearheading the protest, said.

He said the Central government was levying Rs 1.45 per kilometre per lorry whereas in toll gates operated by private agencies Rs 3.45 was being charged.

"Unless the abnormal toll rate is reduced, 22 lakh lorries will be off the roads from August 1 midnight," he said, adding if no action was taken, truck operators from all over India will also join the strike from August 6.