Why There Is A Bandh In Bengaluru Today? 5 Things To Know

Lakhs of private vehicles including autos, taxis, maxi cabs, goods vehicles and corporate buses could stay off the roads on Monday, making commuting difficult for school students and office-goers, among others, as the Federation of the Karnataka State Private Transport Associations has called for a 'bandh' on Monday.

The federation comprises a total of 32 private transport associations, and most of the private transport services are available starting from midnight today to midnight on Monday.

5 Things To Know

Why Bandh?

The federation has called for bandh seeking a ban on bike taxis, and urging the government to extend the Shakti scheme -- that offers free bus rides to women on state-run transport buses -- to private buses as well, among other demands.

The private transporters have claimed that they have been negatively impacted by the Shakti scheme and that the state government has not fulfilled their demands despite repeated discussions.

Is it a holiday for schools in Bengaluru today?

No, the schools and educational institutions will function like usual. However, some private schools have declared a holiday.

What about government offices and business establishments?

It is a working day for government offices, banks and all the business establishments. Emergency service-related vehicles ambulances, pharma vehicles and crucial goods-carrying vehicles will continue to function.

What will be closed?

Since the protest is called by the Federation of the Karnataka State Private Transport Association, all private commercial vehicles will cease its services today including private cabs and buses.

What are the alternatives?

Public transport including the BMTC buses and metro trains will be operational. In fact, the state government has arranged special buses to avoid inconvenience for the commuters. "We have arranged BMTC (Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation) buses for school-going children, office-going people and for those who're 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," Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said.

Even Namma Metro services will be available every five minutes during the peak hours: 8 am and 11.30 am and 5 pm to 8.30 pm today, as per the authorities. During the normal hours, instead of every 10 minute, Namma Metro trains will be operated at a frequency of 6-8 minutes.

What Are Protestors Demanding?

• Autorickshaw unions demand monthly financial assistance of Rs 10,000.
• Auto-rickshaw associations demand for the creation of a regulatory body to support drivers, prohibition of illegal bike taxis, and licenses for electric auto-rickshaws, among various other demands.
• In contrast, taxi associations are advocating for a standardized fare system for airport taxis, measures taken against individuals employing personal vehicles for commercial purposes, and the development of a state government-operated mobile application to offer auto-rickshaw and taxi services akin to platforms like Ola and Uber.