Mini Lorry Drivers in Kanniyakumari Protest Against Wet M-Sand and Partial Loading

Mini lorry drivers transporting manufactured sand (M-sand) from the Chithirancode region in Kanniyakumari district have voiced strong concerns over quarry operators allegedly short-supplying loads and delivering wet material. They say the practice is affecting their livelihoods and inflating construction material costs in the local market.

According to BJP Nagercoil MLA M.R. Gandhi, quarries and crushers in the area are providing only about 75% of the full load capacity to mini lorries meant for local transport. The BJP recently staged a protest at Chithirancode, demanding immediate action.

BJP Kanniyakumari West District President R.T. Suresh alleged that M-sand is often supplied in wet condition, artificially increasing its weight. “This causes a loss for drivers and impacts the public as transportation costs rise,” he said.

Local drivers say the problem is compounded by strict time restrictions for transporting minerals—allowed only between 10 am and 3 pm, and 9 pm to 6 am. “The day window is too short, and by night most house owners are asleep. We cannot complete more than two trips a day,” said T. Vinu, a mini lorry driver.

Another driver, Murali, pointed out that the combination of wet M-sand and time limits has pushed up local prices. “Partial loading reduces our earnings and increases construction costs,” he said.

The drivers also accused some large multi-wheeler trucks of transporting minerals to illegal storage godowns, where materials are hoarded and later sold at inflated rates. They urged authorities to crack down on such facilities and ensure small-scale local transporters get fair access.

S. Paramasivan, district secretary of the CITU Motor Workers Union, stressed that 4 to 6-wheeler vehicles catering to local construction needs should be given priority. “Relaxing time restrictions will help meet local demand more efficiently,” he said.

Officials from the minerals department confirmed that quarry owners have been instructed not to supply wet M-sand. However, a senior police officer cautioned that relaxing transport timings could cause traffic congestion and safety issues, especially near school zones. “We are aware of the issues and will coordinate with the mines department to inspect and act against illegal storage facilities,” the officer added.

As demand for M-sand grows in Kanniyakumari, resolving the dispute between quarry operators, transporters, and enforcement agencies will be crucial to stabilising prices and ensuring fair trade practices for local construction needs.