Bengaluru Comes to a Standstill as Transport Association Calls for Strike

BENGALURU: Bengaluru, India's bustling tech hub, experienced a complete shutdown on Monday, September 11, as the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Association called for a citywide strike. The strike began at midnight on Sunday, September 10, and is expected to continue throughout Monday, causing significant disruptions to daily life and transport services in the city. In response to the strike, some schools have already announced holidays for the day.

The strike is being supported by a total of 32 private transport associations, and it is estimated that a vast majority of these private transport services will remain non-operational on Monday. This includes autos, taxis, airport taxis, maxi cabs, freight vehicles, school buses, stage carriages, contract carriages, and corporate buses. The absence of these vehicles will leave a significant void in Bengaluru's transportation network for the day, affecting daily commuters and travelers alike. Federation President S. Nataraj Sharma provided this information to the media.

-- Government's Response and Federation's Demands

In anticipation of the strike's impact, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has decided to increase the number of buses in operation. BMTC will continue to provide transportation services within the city and to Kempegowda International Airport. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has assured proactive measures to minimize inconvenience to the public.

Notably. The strike has been called by the federation to press for several demands, including a ban on bike taxis. The federation is also urging the government to expand the Shakti scheme, which allows women to travel free in government transport buses.