Transport strike hits normal life in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 30 (UNI) Normal life was affected in many parts of Kerala following an indefinite strike by private bus and truck owners in protest against the installation of speed governors in heavy vehicles.

In many areas, the strike, called by the Joint Council of Bus and Truck Owners, was total with private buses staying off the road.

Trading in major towns was also affected due to the truck strike.

The installation of speed governors was made mandatory on the basis of a Supreme Court directive in this regard.

A report from Kozhikode said the indefenite strike by the operators of trucks and the private buses, which were the main mode of transporation in the Malabar region, caused much inconvenince to the general public.

The strike in protest against directive to instal speed governors in heavy vehicles also paralysed markets in the city in absence of arrival of trucks.

Alternative services like mini buses, jeeps and autorickshaws were plying, amid complaint of charging exhorbitant fare.

Kerala State Road Transport Corporation sources in Kozhikode said they had introduced additional services to Ernakulam and Kannur and would press into service more fleets to other routes on demand.

Offices reported thin attendance in the absence of proper transportation.

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