Normal life in Bengaluru and rest of the state is likely to be affected with the transport sector set to go on a dawn-to-dusk strike on Wednesday. The bandh is part of a nationwide protest against the Modi government’s draft National Road Safety Bill. Several trade unions have joined in the strike.
KSRTC, BMTC buses and autorickshaws will go off the road, but cab services will not be affected. Namma Metro will operate as usual. Most private schools and colleges have declared a holiday; government institutions are expected to function on the morrow.
KR Vijay Kumar, president of KSRTC and BMTC United Employees’ Union, said: “We are backing the bandh.”
M Manjunath, president of Adarsha Auto and Taxi Drivers’ Union, said, “Our drivers will stay off the road. If this bill is implemented, then autorickshaw drivers will pay huge fine and lose their licence even for minor traffic offences. Not justifiable.”
In a relief for office-goers, cabs will operate. K Radhakrishna Holla, president of Bengaluru Tourist Taxi Association, said: “The road safety bill is just a draft. We’re not supporting the bandh call.
Shipping of goods is likely to be marginally affected. B Channa Reddy, president of Federation of Lorry Owners’ Association, said, “We are neutral, but many lorry drivers may support the bandh.”
Though the government has not declared a holiday for education institutions, many private schools have announced one keeping children’s safety in mind. “We have declared a holiday as we’ve students coming in from all over the city. Since we can’t predict the nature of the bandh, it’s safe for students to stay home,” said Shweta Sastri, executive director of Canadian International School.
D Shashi Kumar, general secretary of Karnataka Associated Management of English Medium Schools, said: “We’ve informed schools to take a decision based on the situation.”
KS Sathyamurthy, commissioner of public instruction, said deputy directors of public instruction have been told to act depending on the situation.
According to DPAR officials, government offices will remain open. An office-bearer in the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce said theatres will screen movies on Wednesday.
IT companies will function normally as they have rejigged their routine. An Infosys spokesperson said, “It’s business as usual. We’ve modified the travel schedule for employees’ safety and convenience.”
Many fuel stations will not function from 6am to 6pm.
