Monday’s bandh may hit public transport

BENGALURU: The Bharat Bandh called on Monday to protest against spiralling fuel prices is expected to affect commuters in Bengaluru and other parts of the state as various transport associations have decided to join the strike.
The bandh called by the Congress and opposition parties over rising fuel prices is expected to disrupt normal life in the Congress-JD(S) ruled state. Services by all state-run transport corporations – BMTC, KSRTC, NWKRTC and NEKRTC – may be affected as the major trade union, AITUC-backed KSRTC Staff and Workers Federation, has extended support to the bandh.

Ananth Subbarao, general secretary of the federation, said they have decided to join the protest as the skyrocketing fuel prices have affected transport services. However, BMTC and KSRTC officials maintained they will operate buses after assessing the situation on the bandh day.

Though Namma Metro and train services will operate as usual, cab drivers’ associations are divided over the bandh. Tanveer Pasha, president, Karnataka Taxi Owners’ Federation, said drivers attached to app-based aggregators will participate in the strike. “We will also stage a protest near Town Hall on Monday against the rise in fuel prices,” he said.

“Increase in fuel prices is having a huge impact on the transport industry. But we will not participate as we aren’t in a position to take a sudden decision without consulting all associations and MNC vendors,” said K Radhakrishna Holla, president, Bangalore Tourist Taxi Operators’ Association. He said airport taxis will ply as usual.

A majority of the autorickshaw unions in the city are yet to take a decision. Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union (ARDU) and Adarsh Autorickshaw and Taxi Drivers Union said they will decide by Saturday. Channa Reddy, president, Federation of Karnataka Lorry Owners, said they will extend their moral support.

Schools to decide today

The bandh has prompted some city schools to postpone exams slated to be held on September 10. The school associations said they will take a decision by Saturday, depending on the situation.

Fuel price spiral

Petrol

Today: Rs 82.6

Last week: Rs 82.12

Last month: Rs 81.43

Diesel

Today (Highest ever): Rs 74.39

Last week: Rs 72.51

Last month: Rs 71.42