The Hindu Business Line : Trailer strike hits Kochi cargo traffic

THE movement of containers to and from Kochi port continued to be disrupted for the second day on Tuesday on account of the indefinite strike called by trailer truck operators in Kerala.

The trailer truck operators have been on the warpath since Monday protesting against alleged harassment by officials of the Kerala Road Transport Authority in charging their vehicles for overload and imposing huge fines. Following the strike call, 700-odd trailer operators had stopped plying their vehicles, thereby hindering the movement of export/import cargo from the port.

The operators' association pointed out that containers are always overloaded because the trailers are designed according to international standards. However, the rules in Kerala stipulate that only 25 tonnes of cargo are allowed in 40-ft containers and 16 tonnes in 20-ft boxes. They said there were no restrictions in the neighbouring States, and it is permitted to carry up to 42 tonnes without any restrictions.

Though loading and unloading operations have been in full swing inside the container terminal, senior port officials maintained that the outside movement of containers had been totally disrupted. At present, there are sufficient boxes inside the wharves and if the strike continues, it would definitely affect the movement of export/import cargo to and from the port.

The port had sent fax messages to the State Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary requesting them to hold talks with trailer operators' associations. It has also been decided to take up the matter with the Union Government to amend the provisions in the Motor Vehicles Act to enable loaded containers with higher capacity to ply on the roads, the officials added.

Meanwhile, the CII, Kerala, has urged the State Government to take immediate steps to put an end to the frequent container trailer strikes, which have crippled the functions of the port. In a statement issued here, it said such strikes would put to question the ability to conduct business through the port.