Truck Strike in Tamil Nadu Delta Districts Disrupts Paddy Movement Over Fee Hike
Truck operators in the delta districts of Tamil Nadu observed a day-long strike on Thursday to protest the Union government's significant increase in renewal fees for heavy vehicle fitness certificates. The strike severely disrupted the movement of paddy from direct procurement centers and warehouses for an entire day in Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai districts.
Impact on Paddy Procurement and Transport
The Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation is currently procuring paddy from farmers during the samba and thaladi crop seasons at its direct procurement centers. The procured paddy is subsequently transported to warehouses, open storage points, hulling mills, and train wagons for further processing and distribution. The strike brought this critical supply chain to a temporary halt, affecting thousands of tonnes of daily paddy movement.
According to the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation, approximately 10,000 tonnes of paddy is moved daily in Thanjavur district, 8,000 tonnes in Tiruvarur, 3,000 tonnes in Mayiladuthurai, and 2,000 tonnes in Nagapattinam. The strike's timing during peak procurement seasons amplified its impact on agricultural logistics.
Background of the Fee Increase
In November 2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) introduced a multi-fold increase in fitness certificate renewal fees for heavy and medium commercial vehicles. This policy change was allegedly implemented to promote greater adoption of the vehicle scrappage policy, encouraging owners to retire older vehicles and invest in newer, safer models.
However, truck operators argue that the fee hike imposes an unsustainable financial burden, particularly on those operating vehicles more than ten years old. N R Pandiyan, secretary of the Tiruvarur Lorry Owners Association, stated, "A majority of lorry owners are facing severe economic hardship due to the multifold increase in fees, especially those operating vehicles more than ten years old. Their families are being pushed into debt."
Protests and Demands
On Thursday, representatives of lorry owners associations from Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai submitted formal petitions to their respective district collectors. They demanded that the Central government withdraw the fee hike for fitness certificate renewals, citing the economic strain on small and medium truck operators.
The collectors assured the representatives that their demands would be conveyed to the relevant authorities for consideration. However, the truck operators have warned of escalating their protest if no action is taken. Representatives have announced plans to launch an indefinite strike starting February 16 if the government fails to revoke the fee hike.
Broader Implications
The strike highlights the tension between national policy objectives, such as vehicle modernization and road safety, and the economic realities faced by local transport operators. The disruption to paddy movement underscores the critical role of truck operators in agricultural supply chains, particularly in rice-producing regions like Tamil Nadu's delta districts.
As the situation develops, stakeholders including farmers, procurement agencies, and policymakers will be closely monitoring the government's response to the operators' demands. The outcome could set a precedent for how similar fee increases are implemented and protested across other regions and sectors of the transport industry.
