Members of Andhra Pradesh Lorry Owners’ Association (APLOA) urged the government to convey to the Centre their concern over the revised vehicle fitness test fees, which they say would compound their financial woes.In a statement, association general secretary Y. V. Eeswara Rao cited notification BSR 850 (E) on fitness fee issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on November 11, 2025, and said the State government was gearing up to collect the revised fees.He said though the State government had the option of making alterations and offer concessions to vehicle owners, it chose to go ahead with implementation of the Centre’s notification without making any changes.Mr. Rao said the Centre’s decision would not only burden the transport sector, but it will also severely impact the States. The State Transport Departments cannot implement these norms suddenly without any preparation. State-level transport operations will be disrupted, causing serious inconvenience to vehicle owners, drivers, officials of the Road Transport Department, and even to the movement of goods, he said.The APLOA leader said vehicle owners were already struggling with rising diesel prices, toll charges, spare parts costs and uneven tax structures. Small lorry owners were finding it difficult to survive. Implementing these norms in such a situation would only worsen their financial condition, he added.He said it was unfortunate that the government did not do anything to prevent diversion of Andhra’s revenue to the neighbouring States of Telangana and Karnataka. Lorry owners had been requesting counter-signature permits for interstate goods transport between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana because the current system often required relying on temporary permits, which could be a burden, but the government had not taken up the issue so far, he said.Mr. Rao reiterated his plea to the State government to communicate the concerns of lorry owners to the Centre and take steps to protect the interests of the transport community.Published - November 23, 2025 08:53 pm IST