Bengaluru, 17 April

Truckers associated with the Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Associations (FOKSLOAA) on Thursday called off their strike after state Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy agreed to most of their demands.

The FOKSLOAA, with 129 truckers’ associations and six lakh members, commenced their protest on Monday night with a host of demands, including a reduction in diesel prices and toll-related problems faced by the truckers.

Transport Minister Reddy confirmed that the strike has been called off.

"I have told them that I would look into most of their demands, including the one related to check posts at the border areas," Reddy told PTI.

He said he has assured the FOKSLOAA delegation that a committee would be formed which will decide within three to four months about the role and responsibility of the check posts.

About the no-entry inside the Bengaluru city, the minister said he will speak to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner.

"I have told the truck drivers to complete their work between 7am and 8am," Reddy said.

He said he also agreed for the online fine payment for the truckers.

The minister said he has also assured them to set up more centres to renew their driving licence.

"Their demand for diesel price reduction and abolition of toll plaza was unrelated to us. I told them to first speak to the Centre before coming to us," Reddy said.

FOKSLOAA general secretary Somasundaram Balan said that except for diesel price reduction and toll related issues, all the demands have been fulfilled, he added.

According to Balan, the minister assured them that tariff charges of trucks will be given to the truckers within a month. A committee would be formed which will fix the rates.