Transport association calls for ‘Bengaluru bandh’ on September 11 against government’s Shakti programme

On September 11, a “Bengaluru bandh” (strike) has been announced by the private transport association in protest of the Karnataka government’s Shakti project, which allows women to ride free on non-premium government buses.

The Shakti Programme was introduced by the Siddaramaiah-led Karnataka government in June 2023 to give women free rides on non-premium government buses in the state.

The Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Associations, which represents more than 32,000 private carriers, organised the protest, which is anticipated to have a significant impact on the city’s transport system.

The Karnataka government’s plan, according to the private carriers, has decreased their income.

The government must pay back the losses incurred by the private transport groups. A further impact on the city’s transport system is expected as a result of the bandh on the operations of private taxis, cabs, buses and autos.

However, the Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy has stated that all vehicles will adhere to their usual schedules tomorrow and that government transportation services will run smoothly.

He also said that areas with schools and manufacturing facilities would also see a deployment of additional vehicles.

The minister gave the following instructions before the strike:

• Increase the number of BMTC buses operating on routes with heavy auto and taxi traffic.
• In Bengaluru, if there are any exams that day at schools or colleges, state transport buses would be sent to those locations. Gather information from all colleges and schools and make the required bus arrangements to help with this.
• To ensure that patients and women do not experience any issues, more buses should be placed close to hospitals and clothing companies.
• Be accessible on the ground from Sunday night through September 11 to avoid any disputes after speaking with top police officers.
• Take steps to avoid the need to declare a bandh, ensuring the public is only mildly inconvenienced.
• To enable employees of organisations not taking part in the bandh to continue working throughout it, those organisations should offer protection to the auto, cab, and bus drivers who work for them.

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