Kerala - Kochi   

Strike may hit functioning of public sector units

KOCHI: The nationwide strike called on Wednesday may affect activities of the sea port, airport, shipyard, refineries, FACT and other public sector units. It will also affect the ongoing work in connection with the Vallarpadam container terminal.

The disruption in export and import activities at the sea port may upset the schedule of the cargo movement. It might also affect the perishable cargo stored at various points in the supply chain. This is true in the case of cargo operations at the airport also.

A spokesman of the Kochi port said steps have been taken to ensure that the operations are not affected. Though some disruptions could be expected, the essential activities would not suffer, he said. Transport arrangements have been made to pick up staff from some key points in the city. Several operational staff members stay on the port premises or at close quarters, he said.

A meeting of the officials and personnel of other agencies was held at the Cochin International Airport to take stock of the situation. Flights will operate as scheduled. No flights had been cancelled on account of the strike, a spokesman for the airport said. Usually, passengers from distant places arrive a day in advance and stay in hotels to ward off trouble on way to airport. A spokesman of the BPCL Kochi Refineries said the strike would not have serious impact on the operations of the refinery. Transport arrangements have been made for transporting the staff, according to him.

The shops and establishments in the city remain closed on most days of hartals. The practice may continue this time too. The private buses and autorickshaws which are the mainstay of the public transport in the city, will keep off the roads.

City Police Commissioner Manoj Abraham has informed that the police are fully prepared to avert any untoward incidents in connection with the general strike called by the State and Central government employees.

There will be police patrol and picket at all junctions from 10 p.m. on Tuesday till the time the strike ends. Adequate escort services will be given to Kerala State Road Transport Corporation and private buses provided they conduct operations. Strict instructions have been issued to provide on demand security for normal functioning of shops. The force has also been asked to give official vehicles for emergencies, he said in a release.

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