Concrete Mixer Operators Protest at RTO Khairatabad

Hyderabad:Concrete mixer operators laid siege to the RTO Khairatabad on Tuesday, with around a thousand protestors raising slogans against the Transport authorities. The protest disrupted work at the office for nearly an hour and a half. Joint transport commissioner Dr K. Venkat Ramana assured that their demands would be discussed with higher officials.

Protestors said concrete mixers, while being transported along with trailers, were being fined heavily. The agitation obstructed routine work at the RTO, leaving several applicants stranded. According to officials, the protestors trespassed into the premises without prior notice.

The Concrete Millers Labour Welfare Association, which called for the bandh, said there are about 2,500 contractors across Greater Hyderabad. Advisor Bhasker Reddy noted that each contractor supports at least 15 families and that concrete mixers are essential for construction work.

Contractor G. Raju added that there are nearly 3,000 mixers in the city. “The RTO authorities are imposing fines ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹25,000. We are left with no money when these fines are imposed,” he said. He urged the government to consider an alternative such as a life tax or permit tax.

Transport officials said mixers fixed to tractor trailers and dragged on roads pose a threat to other vehicles. “According to the Road Safety Act, this is prohibited. Our officials booked around 30 cases last week,” Dr Ramana said. He added that such vehicles on main roads or bylanes could cause severe accidents, and the department was committed to making the state accident‑free.

Meanwhile, Khairatabad police registered a case. SHO Venkat Reddy said an FIR was filed for wrongful trespass, causing inconvenience to daily operations and using abusive language.