Thu Jan 23 15:18:47 UTC 2025: ## Kozhikode Quarry Owners Seek Police Protection Amidst Price Hike Dispute
**Kozhikode, Kerala, January 24, 2025** – Eight granite quarries in Kozhikode district have requested police intervention following alleged intimidation and obstruction by tipper lorry drivers protesting a recent price hike on quarry products. A coordination committee of quarry and crusher operators claims drivers, supported by some associations, have blocked access to quarries for over two weeks, deeming the price increase illegal. The committee insists the price revision was authorized by relevant authorities.
The dispute escalated after quarry owners, following discussions with revenue department officials, agreed to a reduced price for government construction projects. However, this concession hasn’t appeased many lorry operators, who argue the price hike adds ₹1,200 per truckload for private buyers, impacting the construction sector significantly.
A granite quarry owner from Mukkom reported threats against buyers who arrange their own transport, highlighting the severity of the situation. He emphasized the disruption to public sector construction projects caused by the ongoing protests.
The Goods Transport Workers Union plans a march to the Collectorate on January 27th to further protest the price increase. The police have been asked to ensure the safety of quarry workers and allow the resumption of full operations.
First Piper 