Truckers reluctant to ferry relief to Kodagu and Kerala

BENGALURU: Tonnes of relief materials for flood-hit Kodagu and Kerala are ready, but many truckers in Bengaluru are unwilling to risk driving to these areas.

Volunteers mobilizing relief material said the primary challenge is transport, since very few truck operators are ready to ply on battered roads, and those who agree often demand at least double the regular charge.

Waseem Memon of NGO Drive Without Borders Foundation, which is lending a helping hand to Kodagu and Wayanad, said that most private transporters are reluctant to send their trucks, considering the road conditions. “Some transporters are also worried about the safety of their vehicles. Now the Army has agreed to carry relief material in their trucks. I’ve been getting calls from various organizations about the shortage of trucks,” he said.

Anand Thomas, a volunteer, said: “The unavailability of trucks is delaying relief operations. Those willing to operate are demanding more than the actual fare. So I hired a jeep and went to the affected areas to supply essential materials.”

Santhosh Damodharan, a volunteer, said: “I was looking for a vehicle to transport cleaning equipment from Bengaluru to Kochi, but there was no facility available,”

B Channa Reddy, president, Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners’ Association, said that some trucks which went to flood-hit areas, have not returned. “There’s some confusion as material could not be offloaded from many trucks due to lack of storage space. Some vehicles are stranded as roads to Kodagu and Kerala are cut off,” he added.

However, he denied allegations of fleecing. “In fact, we’ve operated some trucks at concessional rates.”

A transport official said action will be taken against errant truck operators, based on complaints. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) officials said they are permitted to transport relief materials without charging luggage fee.

SW Railway has also come forward to ferry materials in bulk quantities. Those interested can contact KA Asif Hafiz (9731666600), senior divisional personnel officer, Bengaluru division. Some private bus operators are also ferrying relief, free of cost.