Bengaluru Bandh called off: Meeting by transport minister successful

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The 'Bengaluru Bandh' call given by various associations of autorickshaws, private buses and cabs on July 27 was called off following a conciliatory meeting with Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy here on Monday.

The Federation of Private Transport Associations have given the 'Bengaluru Bandh' call on July 27 against free rides for women in KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and NEKRTC have ruined their businesses.

The federation members said their business has dropped by more than 50 percent due to free rides for women allowed in State Transport Corporation buses. Those who were traveling in private buses now prefer to travel in KSRTC buses because of free rides.

Nataraj Sharma, an office-bearer of the federation said women have stopped traveling in autorickshaws and cabs due to free rides in the government buses.

The federation gave time till August 10 to the government to fulfil their demands failing which they would call for a bandh. Minister Reddy who gave a patient hearing to their woes, promised to take suitable action in this regard after receipt of a report by the officials.