Bengaluru Bandh Today: The Federation of the Karnataka State Private Transport Associations has called for a ‘bandh’ that could disrupt the city’s transportation services on Monday. Here are the key points:
- A federation consisting of 32 private transport associations has called for a ‘bandh’ in Bengaluru, which may result in the suspension of various private transportation services.
- This strike is expected to last from midnight on Sunday to midnight on Monday.
- Some schools in the city have decided to declare a holiday on Monday, as private maxi cabs, frequently used by school children, may not be available during the bandh.
- Commuters heading to the airport may need to find alternative transportation options.
- The federation has called for the bandh to demand a ban on bike taxis and request the extension of the Shakti scheme. The Shakti scheme currently provides free bus rides to women on state-run transport buses, and private transporters are seeking its extension to private buses.
- Private transporters claim that the Shakti scheme has adversely affected their businesses, and despite multiple discussions, the state government has not addressed their demands.
- Approximately 7 to 10 lakh vehicles, including autos, taxis, airport taxis, maxi cabs, goods vehicles, school vehicles, stage carriages, contract carriages, and corporate buses, are expected to participate in the bandh.
- As part of the bandh, a protest march is planned from Sangolli Rayanna Circle to Freedom Park in the city.
- The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) will increase bus services within the city and to Kempegowda International Airport to minimize inconvenience for the public during the bandh.
- Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has expressed the government’s willingness to engage in discussions with the federation and is taking measures to minimize public inconvenience during the strike.
