B'luru transport bandh today to hit citizens hard

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Private transport vehicles such as autorickshaws, cabs and private buses will go off the roads in the city on Monday in response to the ‘bandh' call given by the federation of more than 32 private transporters' associations in Karnataka.

Since the implementation of the Shakti scheme which provides free bus travel for women in Karnataka, private players in the transport industry have expressed their grievances, claiming significant losses.

They had previously requested the state transport minister Ramalinga Reddy for the inclusion of private buses in the Shakti scheme.

However, with no response from the government, the associations have decided to stage a one-day strike from the midnight of September 10 till the midnight of September 11.

Considering the situation, some private schools in Bengaluru have announced a holiday while some others will be conducting classes online.

What will be affected?

Private airport taxis will cease operations. Travellers heading to the airport will need to arrange alternative transport or use Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) Vayu Vajra bus services.

Ola, Uber, and other appbased ride-sharing services have announced their support for the strike and will not be available. Apart from autorickshaws in the city, private buses travelling within the state from Bengaluru will not operate as well.

What will continue to operate?

Essential services like banks, grocery stores, and ATMs in Bengaluru are expected to remain open during the bandh and operate as usual. Similarly, other businesses and establishments, including offices, shops, and restaurants, may choose to remain open or closed at their discretion.

Emergency services, including ambulances, pharmaceutical vehicles, and essential goods transport vehicles, will continue to operate. Food and delivery vehicles will not experience interruptions, ensuring the availability of daily essentials.

Public transport including BMTC buses and metro trains, will operate normally without disruption. The BMTC plans to run extra buses on Monday, adding 500 schedules (equivalent to 4000 trips) from major bus stations to various destinations.

Additionally, BMTC officers, staff, and Sarathi patrol forces will be deployed on major roads, bus stands, and junctions to monitor traffic and ensure public safety.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner warns protestors not to engage in any untoward incident City Police Commissioner B Dayananda said that the police department had talks with officials from the state Transport Department to ensure peace during the bandh.

The top cop encouraged people to rely on public transport to alleviate parking issues. "Adequate police personnel will be deployed across the city and those who force drivers of cabs, autos, and private buses, who are willing to operate, to take part in the bandh will be dealt with strictly. We will provide protection to cabs, autos and private bus drivers who are willing to work. Strict action will be taken against those who take the law into their hands,” he said.

Later in the day, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said that he has given instructions for operating buses so that there is no inconvenience to the public.

"Officials have been instructed to take action and ensure that there is no trouble for the general public and school children. More buses will be arranged near hospitals so that patients do not face any problems," he said.