Transport service on South India roads could come to a standstill from August 1: road freight services in South India will be halted from August 1 as South India Motor Transport Association (SIMA) has declared an indefinite strike for long-term road freight services to stop from August 1 due to a long-standing demand of the South India Motor Transport Association (SIMA) is facing an indefinite strike. The association wants central and state governments to respond to their demands by July 30; if not, lakhs of commercial vehicles will remain off the road across South India.
With the decision announced by SIMA president G.R. Shanmugappa, he said the strike will involve around 24 lakh lorries from South India, including 7 lakh lorries in Karnataka, which could deter the flow of goods across the region.
Deadline for Governments
If their demands are not met by July 30, transport operators will launch an indefinite strike starting August 1. The agitation is expected to affect freight movement across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Puducherry, affecting industries, businesses, and supply chains.
Opposition to Mandatory GPS and Panic Button Rule
One of the key demands of the association is the removal of the mandatory installation of GPS tracking devices and panic buttons in commercial goods vehicles.
G.R. Shanmugappa claimed that many problems were found in the implementation of the policy. He claimed that installation charges vary greatly from state to state, ranging from ₹3,000 in some states to ₹15,000 in others.
The association also claimed financial irregularities in the implementation of the GPS and panic button mandate. However, these allegations have not been independently verified.
Transport operators argue that although GPS and panic buttons were introduced following the Nirbhaya case in 2012 to enhance passenger safety in public transport vehicles, the same should not be made mandatory for goods transport vehicles, which they think face different operational realities.
Demand for Removal of Border Checkposts
The association has also demanded the immediate removal of border checkposts in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
SIMA reported that some states have already dismantled or closed their interstate checkposts. The association cited Telangana and Andhra Pradesh as examples in which such checkposts have been dismantled and said that Karnataka and Tamil Nadu should follow suit to facilitate smoother freight movement and reduce delays.
The continued existence of border checkposts increases travel time, operational costs, and logistical impediments for commercial vehicle operators, transport companies say.
Potential Impact of the Strike
If the strike happens as planned, then it will have a significant impact on the transportation of essential goods, industrial goods, agricultural produce, fuel, construction materials, and e-commerce deliveries across South India.
Manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and logistics companies could experience supply chain disruption, and consumers could also face delays in the delivery of goods if freight movement is suspended for an extended period.
Talks Expected Before August 1
The association hopes that talks with the Centre and the concerned state governments will take place before the July 30 deadline. If a mutually acceptable solution is not reached, then the strike will be called off.
With millions of commercial vehicles likely to be affected, industry stakeholders will be closely watching the outcome of negotiations in the coming weeks.
