Hectic trade activity ahead of truck strike

Traders in the district are in a hurry to keep additional stocks, with the Lorry Owners Associations of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha going on a strike from October 1. Prices of essential goods are also likely to go through the roof.

On Tuesday, the district saw brisk trading activities, especially the transactions between Srikakulam, Itchapuram and the bordering towns in Southern Odisha such as Berhampur. The transport activity would be stopped from Thursday morning as transporters are keen to make the strike a grand success.

The Lorry Association leaders met in Itchapuram on Monday and chalked out an action plan for the proposed strike.

AP Lorry Owners Association vice-president M. Janaki Ram Reddy told

The Hindu that the Centre was not accepting any of the demands of the association. Toll gates need to be removed and alternate measures should be placed for collection of the tax.

The associations also sought stringent action against the officials and staff who harass the transporters for bribes. “We oppose speed governors to control the speed of the vehicles. It leads to many problems in reaching the destination on time. ,” said Mr.”Janaki Ram Reddy.