The Andhra Pradesh Lorry Owners Association (APLOA) has intensified its agitation against the central government's recent directive that has drastically increased fitness and testing charges for older commercial vehicles. In a significant move that is set to disrupt supply chains, the association has declared an indefinite suspension of all goods transportation services originating from railway goods sheds and shipyards across the state, effective from the night of December 9.
Massive Fee Hike Sparks Outrage
The core of the dispute lies in the revised fee structure mandated by the Centre. According to Y V Eswar Rao, the General Secretary of APLOA, the fitness fee for heavy vehicles has witnessed an astronomical rise. The fee, which was previously Rs 1,340, has now been jacked up to Rs 33,040 for vehicles older than 20 years. Substantial increases have also been imposed on commercial vehicles that are more than 13 years old.
Rao explained that the state government has already begun implementing these revised fees as per the central notification. The association argues that this sharp escalation is unsustainable for a large section of vehicle owners, particularly self-employed drivers who depend on these older lorries for their livelihood.
Livelihoods of Self-Employed Drivers at Stake
The association highlights that the vehicles affected by this fee revision are predominantly owned by individual, self-employed drivers. These operators use their lorries primarily for local transportation of goods from railway yards and shipping terminals to nearby warehouses. "Although vehicles older than 15 years represent only a small fraction of the state's transport fleet, the current fee hike threatens to push these owners out of livelihood," Rao stated.
He further noted that around 50,000 lorries deployed for internal transportation within railway and shipyard premises will participate in the indefinite strike. The protest aims to denounce what the owners call "exorbitant" fitness fees imposed by the Centre.
State Government Urged to Intervene
The APLOA leaders have pointed out that hundreds of vehicles have already been grounded since November 22 because their owners cannot afford the new fees. They assert that the state government is not bound to enforce the central notification in its current form, as the authority to determine and collect fitness and certification fees falls under the state's purview.
In an official statement, the association made a direct appeal: "We request the state govt to retain the existing testing and certification fees and provide immediate relief to self-employed vehicle owners." The statement served a clear ultimatum, warning that if the steep fees continue to be collected, the transport of goods from all railway goods sheds and shipyards in Andhra Pradesh will come to a complete standstill from December 10.
The impending strike is expected to cause significant logistical disruptions, affecting the movement of essential commodities and goods, and putting pressure on both state and central authorities to find a resolution to the escalating crisis.
