BENGALURU: The South India Motor Transporters Association (SIMTA) on Tuesday warned of a flash strike across the southern states if the Centre and state governments fail to address a series of long-pending demands by July 20, including withdrawal of the mandatory Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) requirement for goods vehicles, and removal of restrictions on the VAHAN portal.
The association, which represents transport operators across Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry, said its managing committee had unanimously resolved to suspend transport operations if the issues remain unresolved. It warned that the proposed agitation could be similar to the nationwide protest against the hit-and-run provisions, which had disrupted transport services across the country.
SIMTA alleged that the mandatory installation of AIS-140 compliant Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTDs) in goods vehicles has imposed an unnecessary financial burden on transporters, with installation costs ranging from Rs 14,000 to Rs 15,000 per vehicle and annual subscription charges between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000. It argued that the tracking requirement was originally intended for passenger vehicles under the Nirbhaya safety framework and not for goods carriers.
The association further claimed that linking VLTD compliance to the VAHAN portal has blocked national permit renewals, fitness certificates and pollution certificates for thousands of commercial vehicles, disrupting logistics and supply chains.
SIMTA demanded the abolition of border check-posts in southern states, alleging they continue to delay interstate movement of goods despite the implementation of GST.
It also raised concerns over the alleged misuse of e-challans, including multiple penalties for a single violation and issuance of challans based on static photographs without an effective grievance mechanism.
The transport body sought restoration of manual vehicle fitness centres until sufficient Automated Testing Stations become operational and opposed the mandatory purchase of reflective tapes from specific vendors, alleging monopolistic practices.
SIMTA also demanded a rollback of the recent 10-15% toll hike on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (NICE Road), claiming it has added to the financial burden of transport operators. The association appealed to the Central and state governments to intervene immediately to prevent disruption in the movement of essential commodities and national supply chains.