‘Lack of facilities’ keeps trucks out of terminal

MYSORE: The D Devaraja truck terminal, in spite being hi-tech and having good facilities, has failed to attract truckers. The terminal, inaugurated by chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda 15 days ago, can accommodate 96 heavy trucks at a time. But still, truckers continue to park their vehicles on roadsides, posing danger to motorists and congesting roads.The news of terminal being privatized -- which, if happens, may make them pay huge fee for the facilities -- is said to be the dampener for them to feel discouraged. Safety is another concern.Terminal in charge H Rajendra said an average of 4-5 trucks arrive at the terminal per day. “A meagre fee of Rs 10 (for 12 hours) and Rs 20 (for 24 hours) is collected for parking. But still, drivers don’t turns up in good numbers,” Rajendra added.
According to him, it takes Rs 2 lakh for maintenance and salary of guards and officers. But the fee collected in a span of 15 days is just Rs 1,600. So far, the terminal has attracted only 60 trucks. The issue has already been referred to the district commissioner and other officials concerned.When contacted, Mysore District Lorry Owners’ Association president B Kodandarama said: “Everyday, about 600 trucks ply in the city. But drivers are not ready halt at their trucks at the terminal as they feel it’s insecure. Also, there is no canteen facility.”“For us to use the terminal, the tender should be allotted to localites. Those from other places take the tender and increase the fee, which the poor lorry crews cannot afford,” he added.
Secondly, truck agents who have their offices in the city cannot afford the rent here -- it is Rs 800 per sqft. “They earn their living through the commission they get, and privatization of the terminal would mar their earnings,” he pointed out.
Kondandarama wanted the next tender -- to be called on June 26 -- be given to locals or to the Association for maintenance. He has written to the chief minister on the issue.The first phase of work at the terminal, built on 16.20-acre land, is over at a cost of Rs 12.48 crore. At present, it has facilities like drinking water, paid rest room and washrooms. Medical shop, fuel station, auto garage, service station and canteen are planned in the second phase.