Lorry drivers in Kozhikode resort to roadside parking in the absence of a dedicated parking facility in the city.
| Photo Credit: K. RAGESH
Inter-State and inter-district lorry operators are heading into a chaotic situation in Kozhikode city because a promised parking spot for goods carriers has yet to materialise. A ban on wayside parking and the lack of space in existing lorry stands continue to trouble goods vehicle operators, who have been demanding a parking facility for years.
Criticising the alleged laxity of the Kozhikode City Corporation, a coordination committee of lorry operators and owners is planning an indefinite strike from March 1. The committee members, who organised a token strike and march on February 22, complained that lorry drivers and their helpers do not even have basic washroom facilities in the city.
“The proposals to open dedicated lorry parking facilities at Meenchanda, Thadambattuthazam, and Koya Road are yet to become a reality, due to poor initiatives by local administrators. Now we are being chased away from all the previously used parking spots,” said Vineesh Vayalil, an inter-district truck driver. He added that some local residents were also intimidating drivers to prevent wayside parking.
According to the lorry operators, a remotely located parking spot would hardly be useful for the sector. They pointed out that goods movement would be hampered if trucks were not allowed to park near major trade points in the city. Many drivers feel that a convenient parking area should be set up near South Beach.
“Inter-State truck drivers are going through a harrowing experience since they must rely on poorly maintained public toilets. If a spacious, dedicated washroom were arranged, it would be a great relief for hundreds of operators,” said P.T. Shaji, a lorry owner in Kozhikode district. He added that such facilities for long-distance drivers exist in other states.
Functionaries of the Kerala Lorry Owners Association said that local administrators were yet to identify a suitable spot to develop into a convenient parking area for heavy goods carriers. Citing local protests and lack of funds, the authorities were cold-shouldering the parking facility, which is a much-needed project for a developing city, they said.
The coordination committee of lorry operators has also criticised legal action taken by the police against drivers for illegal roadside parking. They said that the police should take action only after arranging a lawful parking space for heavy vehicles in the city. They added that the “inhuman” action would only aggravate the ongoing protests.
Published – February 23, 2025 07:59 pm IST