Business

India: Transporters' strike stalls textile supply to north, south India

The supply of man-made fabrics (MMF), including saris and dress materials from Surat’s wholesale markets was affected following the indefinite strike call given by the Surat Textile Goods Transporters' Association (STGTA) against sealing of the transporters' godowns by the Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC).

Over 400 truck operators supplying textile goods worth over Rs 70 crore every day to various destinations across the country are on strike after the civic body sealed the godowns in Bhatena area on Sunday alleging traffic jams and other traffic-related issues.

Sources said that dozens of transport godowns were sealed to ease traffic on the main road at Bhatena. The action was taken after municipal commissioner Milind Torawane was stuck in traffic when he was going to attend a public function in Bhatena last week. The STGTA called upon municipal commissioner on Monday urging him to open the sealed warehouses and allow the transporters to continue operations. However, they did not get any positive response from the civic chief.

Textile traders said that the transporters have stopped taking deliveries due to the indefinite strike. The marriage season is on in the northern and southern states and the supply of saris, fabrics and dress materials is very crucial. "Textile traders are still facing the heat from southern markets, especially Chennai and Andhra Pradesh due to the recent devastating floods. In this new year, traders were gearing up for good business from the north. But, the transporters' strike has come at a wrong time," said Devkishan Manghani, chairman textile committee of South Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI).

Yuvraj Deshle, president of STGTA said, "We have urged the civic chief to open the transport godowns. But SMC is yet to take any decision. Our strike will continue till our godowns are not opened up."