The Federation of the Karnataka State Private Transport Association has declared a one-day strike in Bengaluru on Monday. This decision came after the state's transport department failed to meet the federation's demands within the August 31 deadline. As a result, approximately 7-10 lakh private vehicles, including autorickshaws, taxis, corporate vehicles, airport taxis, and buses, will remain non-operational in Bengaluru today.
The federation, which represents over 32,000 private carriers, is protesting against the Karnataka government's Shakti scheme. This program allows women to travel for free on non-premium government buses. The private carriers argue that this scheme has negatively impacted their income and are seeking reimbursement for their losses from the government.
In addition to this, auto rickshaw unions are demanding financial assistance of Rs 10,000 per month. They are also calling for a ban on illegal bike taxis and the establishment of an authority to support the development of drivers.
Here are the details of the one-day strike:
The Bengaluru traffic police have issued an advisory, urging commuters to use alternative routes and plan their travel accordingly. Commuters have been advised to avoid KG Road, Sheshadri Road, GT Road, Roads and Freedom Park, and Majestic Bus stand.
The Kempegowda International Airport has also issued an advisory, urging passengers to plan their travel to and from the airport, as all modes of public transport will be impacted. The Bengaluru airport has requested passengers to follow media releases from transport authorities for updates.
Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy mentioned that BMTC buses have been arranged for school-going children and office-goers. He stated, "We have arranged BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) buses for school-going children, office-going people, and those who are going to hospitals. BMTC has arranged around 500 extra buses. Nothing will happen. They (private transport) are going for a strike, let them, they have the right to do so."
BMTC is operating an additional 500 buses, covering 4,000 trips, from major bus stations such as Kempegowda Bus Stand, KR Marker, and Shivajinagar Bus Stands to various destinations.
Officials from the BMTC and Sarathi Patrol Forces have been deployed on major roads, bus stands, and junctions in the city to monitor traffic.
Emergency services will continue to operate during the strike, and all emergency service-related vehicles, including pharma vehicles and ambulances, will be allowed to ply. Transport of food, groceries, and other daily essentials will operate as usual.
While several schools have declared a holiday for 'Bengaluru Bandh,' many others have switched to online classes for the day. Some schools, which rely on school buses as the sole mode of transport for their students, will remain operational. A few universities have also postponed their exams.
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