Autorickshaw, taxi, school and private bus services are likely to be affected on September 11 as the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Operators’ Associations with 32-affiliate bodies has called for a ‘Bengaluru bandh’ to protest the government’s alleged failure to fulfil their demands.
The operators have been asking the government to provide compensation for the revenue loss they have suffered after Shakti scheme was introduced in the state, to take action against illegal use of white board vehicles ferrying passengers, ban bike-taxi services and others.
On Friday, S Nataraj Sharma, office-bearer of the federation, claimed the transport department and the minister in charge have failed to address their concerns. “Private operators are in distress. On several occasions, we raised concerns with the transport minister. He made promises that issues would be resolved after consultation with the CM, and so far no relief has been provided. We have no option but to observe a bandh in Bengaluru,” he said.
Sharma said taxi aggregators, airport services, school buses and regular bus services operated by private operators will be affected due to the bandh. He added that highways connecting the city will be blocked to protest the ‘government’s apathy’ in resolving issues faced by the operators.
Asked if the federation will drop the bandh call if the government heeds to their demands, Sharma said: “We want the state government to give in writing about fulfilling our demands, we don’t believe in oral assurances.”
Reacting to the bandh call, transport minister Ramalinga Reddy said, “Some demands made by private operators have financial implications and a decision must be taken at the government level. The issues that fall in my limits will be addressed shortly.”
