Heavy rain delays commuters at KSRTC and BMTC bus stands

NT Bengaluru: Commuters are facing problems at the KSRTC bus stand as buses are getting delayed by 3-4 hours raising concerns among them about getting home in time. Due to the heavy rain over the past two days, buses have not been arriving on schedule though there has been no major cancellation of KSRTC services. A commuter remarked, “We have been waiting for three hours. The Koppal bus usually arrives by 2:30 pm but now it is 5 o'clock, and no bus has come. There is no space to stand; everywhere there is water, and even the ceiling is leaking.” In response to the situation, a KSRTC reservation counter official said, “The problem is due to heavy traffic caused by the rain. Some buses had to change their routes due to road blockages. We can’t blame the drivers, as this situation is a result of the weather.” Commuters at BMTC bus stands are also experiencing similar delays as buses struggle to reach the stands.

The BMTC public relations officer stated, “Due to heavy rain and uncontrolled traffic, 10 percent of our operations have been canceled. We do not have details on how many buses have been cancelled, but some have changed their routes to reach their final destinations, while others have been cancelled due to road blockages and traffic issues.” The rains are also disrupting livelihood means. For instance, around 150 labourers are returning to North Karnataka because they have been unable to find any construction work for three days due to the rain. While Speaking with News Trail, construction worker Manjappa Dombal from Gadag, who is currently based in Hebbal said, “We haven’t found work for three days due to the rain. I have a family in Gadag that I support. Since I know only construction work and have no work, I’m going back home to find a job and earn some money.”