The Hindu : Front Page : Goods carriers seek daytime parking terminal

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Monday, Sep 17, 2007
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Goods carriers seek daytime parking terminal

Staff Reporter

— PHOTO: R. RAGU

PARKING PROBLEM: In the absence of a designated parking lot, heavy vehicles often eat into roadspace in the city. A scene in Royapuram.

CHENNAI: Truck owners want a daytime parking facility outside the city in view of the traffic restrictions, which allow them entry only between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m.

The Chennai Goods Transport Association, with a membership of over 250 transport companies, has appealed for a terminal similar to those available in some major cities in other States as the restricted entry hours is affecting their interests.

“What is the use in having a rule without making alternative arrangements? Many other cities, including Mumbai and Kolkata, have parking terminals for trucks outside the city limits. Our vehicles can enter Chennai only during the five hours. But warehouses do not have the manpower to unload material at that time. As a result, the vehicles remain idle for a whole day,” association former president K.M. Narasimhan said here on Sunday.

“If we had a terminal, the companies could set up warehouses outside the city limits. We could deliver goods easily. Every day at least 8,000 trucks come to the city. We need at least 20 acres to park these vehicles,” he added.

The association also wants more driver training institutes set up. At present, there is only one institute in the State. “Manufacturers such as Ashok Leyland and Tata are ready to help. There are 2.5 lakh trucks in the State… roughly 10 lakh people are employed in the sector in Tamil Nadu,” he said.

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