Karnataka Bandh today- KSRTC and BMTC buses ordered to function as usual

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The state of Karnataka is bracing for a day-long statewide bandh today in protest against the release of Cauvery River water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

However, Karnataka State Road Transportation Corporation (KSRTC) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) said that the buses will operate as usual during the bandh.

According to sources, the Corporations had ordered their employees to report to duty without fail on Friday while warning them of strict disciplinary action if employees skip duty and take part in the protest.

The pro-Kannada groups have warned the government to halt transport services across the state on Friday. However, the government has made it clear that buses will operate as usual.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday objected to the bandh and appealed to protesters to follow the court orders. "I will not oppose the bandh, but responsible people will follow the court orders. We have to protect the public property. The CWMA has called for a meeting on Friday and I have directed officials to attend the meeting in person. Our officials will argue strongly that we cannot release water to Tamil Nadu. I request people not to observe bandh," Shivakumar said.

Essential services such as hospitals, nursing homes, medical shops, emergency services, petrol pumps, water supply, electricity and sanitation services are also expected to remain open.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner has said that adequate security has been provided at the railway station, airport and for Tamil Nadu-bound buses.

All policemen in Bengaluru will be on duty and all steps will be taken to maintain safety and security in the city, added the Deputy CM. Cab aggregators like Ola and Uber have extended their support to the bandh and will conduct a rally from Nayandahalli to Town Hall, sources said.

During the previous bandh on the same issue, schools, colleges, offices, shops, restaurants, hotels, and various establishments remained closed. However, public transport services operated with partial disruptions, including KSRTC, BMTC, Metro, auto rickshaws, and cab aggregators like Ola and Uber.

However it is advisable to avoid travel, if possible. As schools have been declared a holiday, a few offices are also expected to remain closed during the bandh. Many shops and establishments are likely to remain closed during the bandh. 

Metro services between KengeriChallaghatta disrupted due to inspection

BMRCL services will be partially disrupted due to a safety inspection of the newly constructed Kengeri-Challaghatta extension line.

Train services between Krishnarajapura and Garudacharpalya will be suspended for the entire day. However, train services will be available between Garudacharpalya and Whitefield (Kadugodi) and there are no changes to the train services on the Green Line.

Other lines will also operate normally without any effects of bandh, BMRCL said.

Kempegowda Intl Airport issues advisory

Airport passengers travelling today are advised to plan their travel accordingly due to the anticipated disruption in transport services on the day of the Karnataka bandh.

Passengers are requested to check with their airline for flight status, allow extra travel time, and consider using alternative transportation.