The Tamil Nadu - Karnataka rift over the Cauvery waters is proving to be costly for pumpset manufacturers here, who are unable to move their products through the neighbouring state.

“Pumpsets are normally transported to northern states via Karnataka. Due to the unrest, we are now forced to re-route the goods via Andhra Pradesh. This circuitous route is adding to our transportation costs,” KK Rajan, president of the Southern India Engineering Manufacturers’ Association said.

The extra distance when routed through Andhra Pradesh is said to be over 300 km. The daily truckload is said to hover between 6 and 10, with carrying capacity varying upwards of 16 tonnes with estimated value of the goods at ₹37 lakh a truck

While the industry has found an alternative route for transportation of goods to upcountry markets, industry sources say that the loss they are incurring on vehicles parked on Karnataka border is literally choking pumpset manufacturers. Industry sources estimate the business loss at over ₹200 crore.

“Notwithstanding the agreed freight charges, we now have to bear ₹1,500 extra for each day of stoppage (per truck). Additionally, the daily batta for the truck driver and cleaner works out to ₹1,500 each. The transporters are also demanding vehicle maintenance charges, adding to the industry’s woes,” an industry insider said.

Trouble at checkposts

Industry sources say that checkpost authorities are forcing the transporters to submit fresh sales tax forms and other relevant documents as the existing ones have lapsed.

Meanwhile, the industry has started to face huge shortage of truck drivers. “This is going to further add to our woes,” the SIEMA president said.

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