Salim Javed
Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug 17: Tensions escalated among truck operators in the Andaman Trunk Road (ATR) transport sector as members of some truck owner groups staged a protest in front of the Ferrargunj Regional Transport Office (RTO) on Monday, alleging harassment, discrimination, and unfair enforcement practices at the Mile Tilak weighbridge.
According to protesting truck owners, the facility has become a source of hardship for cargo operators serving North and Middle Andaman.
One of the major concerns raised by truck owners is the location of the weighbridge. The facility is situated approximately 45 kilometres away from Sri Vijayapuram, the primary cargo loading point. Protesters argued that no public weighbridge facility is available at Sri Vijaya Puram, leaving transporters with no practical means of verifying vehicle weight before beginning their journey. As a result, truck drivers often learn of alleged overload violations only after reaching the Mile Tilak checkpoint.
Truck operators further alleged that enforcement activities at the weighbridge are focused primarily on ATR cargo trucks, while other categories of vehicles operating within South Andaman are not subjected to similar checks. Protesters claimed that this selective enforcement has created a sense of discrimination among local transporters.
Another major grievance involves the penalties imposed on drivers. According to truck owners, fines reportedly begin at around Rs. 20,000 and are levied without providing adequate opportunities for drivers to unload excess cargo or rectify weight-related issues. Transporters argue that such penalties place a heavy financial burden on small truck owners and drivers.
The protesters also alleged that enforcement actions disproportionately affect smaller transport operators, while larger and financially stronger companies are allegedly allowed to continue operations without facing similar scrutiny. These allegations have intensified demands for greater transparency and equal treatment of all transporters.
Truck owners contend that the weighbridge system has had broader economic consequences for North and Middle Andaman. They claim that increased transportation costs resulting from fines and operational delays have contributed to rising prices of essential commodities in the region.
Farmers and vegetable traders have reportedly been affected as transportation expenses increase the cost of moving agricultural produce. Some wholesalers have allegedly begun sourcing vegetables from mainland India rather than purchasing from local farmers, citing cost concerns.
Protesters further accused the administration of focusing primarily on transport regulation affecting North and Middle Andaman while failing to adequately consider the welfare and livelihood concerns of local drivers and truck owners operating in South Andaman.
Another issue raised during the protest relates to the land on which the weighbridge is reportedly operating. Protesters alleged that the facility is functioning on land that is not classified for commercial use and questioned whether all required approvals and certifications have been obtained.
They have demanded a detailed inquiry into the legality of the facility and its operations. During the demonstration held today (August 17, 2026) truck owners reportedly gave an ultimatum to the authorities. Protest leaders stated that they are seeking the closure of the Mile Tilak weighbridge by August 30, 2026. They warned that if their concerns are not addressed, a larger protest involving multiple truck associations could be organized on coming days, at Jirkatang.
