VISAKHAPATNAM: The Andhra Pradesh Lorry Owners’ Association (APLOA) has urged the Union Finance Ministry and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to intervene in the reported detention of more than 300 trucks at the Assam–West Bengal border, raising concerns over disruptions to cargo movement, mounting transportation costs and the impact on industrial supply chains.
According to the association, the trucks have remained stranded for several days, despite consignments reportedly being accompanied by valid Goods and Services Tax (GST) documentation and payment of applicable Integrated GST (IGST). The association has sought an urgent review of the situation and clarification of the legal grounds for the detention.
Y. V. Eswara Rao, General Secretary of APLOA, said nearly half of the affected vehicles were carrying consignments destined for Visakhapatnam, while others were bound for Haldia and Durgapur in West Bengal, Barauni in Bihar and Paradip in Odisha. The reported delays have affected transport operators and industrial establishments, while also creating hardship for drivers unable to resume their journeys.
Transporters Report Mounting Financial Losses
Highlighting the financial implications, P. Venkata Siva Nagaraju, a truck owner from Vijayawada, said three of his newly acquired vehicles had allegedly remained detained at an outpost on the West Bengal border for more than a month. He estimated his losses at over ₹2 lakh per vehicle.
The trucks were reportedly transporting crude oil from Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) refineries at Bongaigaon, Guwahati and Digboi in Assam. The prolonged stoppage has also left drivers away from their families for extended periods, adding to their personal and emotional difficulties.
APLOA has estimated the total demurrage and related losses incurred by transporters and other stakeholders at approximately ₹1 crore. It has warned that continued delays could affect the timely supply of industrial raw materials, disrupt production schedules and increase logistics costs for consignors and consignees.
Association Seeks Verification of Consignments to Visakhapatnam
The association has specifically requested authorities to verify the status of 16 trucks reportedly carrying raw petroleum coke for Rain CII Carbon (Vizag) Ltd. in Visakhapatnam. Referring to a vehicle list provided by IOC’s Marketing division, Eastern Region, APLOA has called for the release of the vehicles if they are being detained without lawful grounds.
As an example, the association cited an e-way bill for truck number AP39VW-1447. The document reportedly records a taxable consignment value of ₹17.28 lakh and IGST of ₹3.11 lakh at 18%. The consignment was invoiced by IOC, Assam, to Rain CII Carbon (Vizag) Ltd., with Shiva Transport Agency identified as the transporter.
APLOA has asked the authorities to examine the relevant tax and transport documents and establish the precise reasons for any continued detention.
Call for Clear Legal Procedures and Inter-State Coordination
While acknowledging that valid tax documentation does not prevent authorities from conducting inspections in accordance with the law, the association has stressed that prolonged detention should be supported by valid legal grounds, with the reasons and applicable statutory provisions formally communicated to the parties concerned.
In its representations to the Union Finance Ministry and other relevant authorities, APLOA has sought an immediate review of the reported detention of more than 300 trucks, verification of the 16 vehicles carrying consignments for Andhra Pradesh, and disclosure of the written orders and legal provisions relied upon in cases of detention.
The association has also called for better coordination among GST authorities across the States concerned and the introduction of consistent procedures to facilitate the movement of vehicles carrying valid documentation, while preserving the right of authorities to undertake lawful checks.
The matter highlights the importance of predictable enforcement procedures, effective inter-State coordination and uninterrupted freight movement for India’s logistics sector. A timely resolution would help reduce avoidable financial burdens on transport operators, ease the difficulties faced by drivers and support the continuity of industrial supply chains.
The allegations and loss estimates cited in this report are based on statements attributed to the Andhra Pradesh Lorry Owners’ Association and the affected truck owner. The legal grounds for the reported detentions and the response of the concerned authorities have not been independently established in the information provided.
