Karnataka Truckers’ Strike Hits Over 6 Lakh Vehicles, Disrupts Supply Chains Across South India

A massive truckers’ strike that began at midnight on Monday has immobilized more than six lakh vehicles across Karnataka, severely disrupting the supply chain both within the state and across India. The indefinite strike, led by multiple transport associations, is already affecting the movement of essential and non-essential goods, with over 60 transport bodies from 24 States expressing solidarity.

While essential supplies like milk have been exempted, the transportation of vegetables, LPG cylinders, construction materials, and industrial goods has come to a standstill. Major markets in Bengaluru, including K.R. Market, are on high alert. Traders have raised concerns that if the strike continues beyond Wednesday, shortages will escalate. “There’s no crisis yet, but an extended strike will hit supplies hard,” said Prakasha H., a local vegetable trader.

Truck drivers confirm that no new consignments have moved since the strike began. Over 4,000 daily truckloads from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu have ceased, already causing shortages in Chennai, which depends heavily on produce from Kolar. Additionally, inbound goods from Maharashtra and Gujarat are facing delays, with nearly 15,000 trucks stranded. In a show of support, truckers from other States have also been urged to avoid entering Karnataka, deepening the disruption to interstate trade.