“Bengaluru Bandh: Services Affected and Operational During Protest”

Tomorrow, Bengaluru is set to witness a significant disruption as farmer groups and pro-Kannada organizations have called for a Bengaluru Bandh. The bandh has garnered support from more than 175 organizations across the state, all expressing solidarity with the protesting farmer groups. The primary issue at the heart of this protest is the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

Given the widespread support and the backing of opposition parties, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced that the government will not intervene to suppress the bandh, indicating that it is likely to have a substantial impact on daily life in the city.

Here’s a breakdown of what services are likely to be disrupted and what will continue to operate during the Bengaluru Bandh:

Services Likely to Be Closed:

1. KSRTC and BMTC Buses: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Staff and Workers Federation have extended their support for the bandh. As a result, both KSRTC and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) services are expected to be affected, causing inconvenience to commuters.
2. Private Cab Services: Ola, Uber Drivers, and Owners Association President Tanveer Pasha have announced their support for the bandh and have decided to stay off the roads on Tuesday. This move is in solidarity with the protest’s key demands related to land, language, and water.
3. Schools and Colleges: While the Private Schools Union General Secretary Shashikumar mentioned that they would express their support by wearing black bands on their arms, it is unclear whether a holiday will be declared for many schools and colleges. A decision regarding closures is expected to be made today.

Services That Will Remain Open:

1. Namma Metro: The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has confirmed that metro services will operate across the city as usual on Tuesday. Passengers can expect no disruptions on any line of Namma metro in Bengaluru.
2. Emergency Services: All emergency service-related vehicles, including ambulances and pharmaceutical vehicles, will continue to operate. Hospitals and medical stores will remain open to ensure essential healthcare services are accessible.
3. Cabs and Restaurants: While cab and restaurant associations initially supported the Bengaluru Bandh, they later withdrew their participation. As a result, cabs are likely to be available, and restaurants are expected to remain open, offering some respite for residents during the bandh.

As Bengaluru braces itself for the bandh, residents are advised to plan their activities accordingly, considering the potential disruptions to public transportation and services.

Sources By Agencies