Bengaluru
The city experienced a significant disruption in transportation services as private transporters actively participated in the strike on Monday. Taxis, autorickshaws, and private cabs remained off the roads, with only sporadic sightings of these vehicles. Notably, popular ride-sharing platforms Ola and Uber also reported no availability of cabs or autos. The impact of the bandh was felt in educational institutions as well, as many schools and colleges reported reduced attendance due to the absence of private maxi cabs. Only schools equipped with their own bus services witnessed normal attendance, while parents were observed personally dropping off their children at some institutions. Private buses also refrained from operating during the bandh, leaving passengers reliant on Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses. To accommodate the increased demand, BMTC deployed additional buses throughout the city. The authorities also deployed a substantial police presence to maintain order and prevent any untoward incidents. Around 500 extra buses were deployed to assist travelers arriving at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) during the bandh. However, tensions flared on airport road, with protesting private transporters pelting stones at a taxi ferrying passengers. In response, the police detained several protesters involved in this incident. Throughout the city, protesters compelled operating cabs and autos to stop in support of the bandh. In the heart of Bengaluru, the Majestic area saw a notable absence of autos and cabs, affecting transportation options for arriving passengers. Commuters turned to alternative modes of transportation, such as the Namma Metro and BMTC buses, to reach their destinations. Namma Metro, recognizing the increased demand, operated trains at five-minute intervals even during non-peak hours. The impact of the bandh was not limited to Bengaluru alone, as private transporters in other districts also extended their support to the strike.
Strike Paralyzes City; Common Commuters Struggle Amidst Protest
The Bengaluru bandh, called by private transport organizations to press for various demands, has thrown the daily routines of the common man into chaos. The city witnessed scenes of tired and frustrated passengers waiting in vain for autos, taxis, and buses around the bustling Majestic area. Those arriving in Bengaluru from distant towns were particularly affected, as the absence of autos and taxis created morning travel woes. Although the transport department had arranged for additional bus services, many passengers struggled to reach their intended destinations. As a consequence of the bandh, metro stations and BMTC bus stations experienced an overwhelming influx of passengers.
Heavy Traffic Jams Around The City
The city of Bengaluru experienced a state of gridlock and traffic chaos on Monday as private transport unions called for a bandh, demanding the fulfillment of their various demands. As a result of the protest, all private vehicles, including autos, taxis, and cabs, remained off the roads, bringing daily life to a standstill and causing extensive traffic jams. Traffic congestion reached its peak on the Yeswantpur flyover, where vehicles remained stationary for hours, unable to advance or retreat, leaving motorists stranded and struggling. The traffic snarl extended to various other areas of the city, including Yesvantpur, Circle Maramma Temple, Malleswaram, Sankitanki, and Kaveri Junction.
