Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)

Updated

Mangaluru, Apr 30: The bandh called by private bus drivers and conductors has been successful so far. As per the initial reports, no buses are seen on the roads of Mangaluru city and other parts of the district. The bandh was called to be observed between 6 am to 6 pm of Thursday, April 30.

The bandh was called in protest against ammendments brought to Road Safety Act that are anti-labour and anti-people, as per the joint statement released by Motor Transport and Engineering Workers Union and Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) Employees Association.

The statement had also said that KSRTC employees and auto rickshaw union members would also be supporting the strike call. The unions claimed that the amendments brought to the act will drive to streets lacs of working people by opening up transport sector of the country for big corporate entities, and that huge amount that will flow in as revenue in the form of taxes and tolls including share of the state will henceforth directly go the central government.

Canara Bus Owners Association president, Rajavarma Ballal, and Udupi City Bus Owners Association, Suresh Nayak, had said that bus owners will not be supporting this strike.

Udupi

Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Apr 30: In Udupi too, roads wore a deserted look with all government and private buses staying off the roads.

In the morning, about three private buses were seen plying near city bus stand, but the CPM activists coaxed the drivers to support the strike, and the buses returned.

In Brahmavar, Kundapur and other places too, the protestors stopped buses and did not allow them to ply. Even auto rickshaws were scarce in number.

People were highy inconvenienced due to the unavailability of public transport. It was learnt that some car drivers took advantage of the situation and charged high rates to ferry people.

CITU's Balakrishna Shetty said that bus drivers and owners have been explained about the importance of supporting the strike and they have agreed to it. Some bus owners, however, expressed concerns over the losses that would be incurred due to the strike.