Buses, autos, cabs set to hit roads in Karnataka after two months

BENGALURU: With the Centre clearing the path for resumption of public transport services and passenger vehicles within and between states, the Karnataka government is set to operate its fleet of KSRTC and BMTC buses, besides allowing cabs and autorickshaws to ply, from Monday after a two-month break.
Soon after the ministry of home affairs issued guidelines for Lockdown 4.0 starting on the morrow, CM BS Yediyurappa called a meeting of cabinet ministers and high-ranking officials to decide on any additional measures to be taken by the state government. However, Metro Rail will not run until further notice.
“All decisions pertaining to new measures will be issued after the meeting on Monday,” said deputy CM Laxman Savadi. Before the MHA announced the guidelines, the state government issued an order extending the existing lockdown norms for the next 48 hours.
Savadi, who holds the transport portfolio, said, “We need clarity on certain issues before letting buses and other passenger vehicles operate. I’ll meet the CM on Monday and then the state advisory for public transport will be issued.”
Limiting seats in buses unviable: Min
If social-distancing norm of limiting the seat capacity on a passenger vehicle is strictly implemented, then it won’t be viable for any operator. We understand that it is left to states to decide on the modalities of opening up of public transport,” said Savadi.
The MHA guidelines have relaxed norms for working from offices, adding a clause that said, “As far as possible, (the) practice of work from home should be followed.”