Transport unions call for 'Bengaluru Bandh' tomorrow, government on alert

The private transport association has called for a 'Bengaluru bandh' (strike) on September 11, against the Karnataka government’s Shakti programme which allows women to travel for free on non-premium government buses.

In June 2023, the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government launched the Shakti Programme to provide free rides for women on non-premium government buses in the state.

Organised by the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations representing over 32,000 private carriers, the protest is expected to have a substantial effect on the city's transportation infrastructure.

According to the private carriers, the scheme of the Karnataka government has reduced their income.

The private transport associations are demanding reimbursement from the government for their losses. The bandh is expected to affect the operations of private taxis, cabs, buses, and cars, further affecting the city's transportation system.

However, the Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has announced that government transportation services will operate normally, and all vehicles will adhere to their regular schedules tomorrow.

He also added that an additional strength of vehicles will also be deployed in areas with schools and manufacturing facilities.

Ahead of the strike, the minister passed the following instructions:

1. Deploy more BMTC buses on routes with a high number of autos and cabs.
2. If there are school or college examinations in Bengaluru on September 11, deploy state transport buses on those routes. To facilitate this, get information from all schools and colleges and make the necessary bus arrangements.
3. Increase the number of buses near hospitals and garment factories to ensure that patients and women face no difficulties.
4. After discussions with senior police officers, be available on the ground from Sunday night to September 11 to prevent any conflicts.
5. Take action to prevent the necessity of initiating a bandh, ensuring minimal disruption for the public.
6. For organisations not participating in the bandh, provide security to autos, cabs, and bus drivers affiliated with those organisations to enable them to work during the bandh.