Bengaluru Bandh: Autos, Taxis And Buses Likely To Go Off Roads On September 11

The Federation of the Karnataka State Private Transport Association, which represents 32 transport unions, has announced 'Bengaluru Bandh' on September 11. This decision comes as a response to the transport department's failure to address their 28 demands within the deadline of August 31.

According to the federation, approximately nine lakh private commercial vehicles, including auto-rickshaws, airport taxis, maxi cabs, corporate vehicles, and buses, will refrain from operating on Bengaluru's roads on September 11. The federation members have also planned a march from KSR Bengaluru railway station to Freedom Park.

Earlier, transport unions had engaged in discussions with State Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on July 24, just three days before they initially scheduled a protest for July 27. At that time, Reddy had assured them that 28 of their 30 demands would be met by the end of August, leading the federation to call off their planned protest. However, with the transport department failing to meet their expectations once again, the federation has decided to initiate a complete city shutdown.

Natraj Sharma, the president of the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Association, expressed their frustration, stating that they had submitted a list of 30 demands to the Karnataka Transport minister and were promised that 28 of them would be fulfilled by August 30. However, the government has once again disregarded their needs.

The federation pointed out that autos, cabs, and private buses operating in the state contribute significantly to tax revenue, paying over Rs 2,000 crore in direct taxes and nearly Rs 20,000 crore in indirect taxes annually for items like diesel, spare parts, and tires.

They also claimed that they have suffered a more than 40 per cent reduction in revenue since the launch of the Shakti scheme, which offers free travel to women across the state in non-premium government buses since June 11.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar responded to the strike calls, acknowledging the losses faced by private bus operators and pledging to take measures to address the situation. He noted the absence of government buses in certain districts, leading to increased private bus traffic in those areas, and emphasized the need for a solution to the issue.