Mumbai, September 10: Major disruption looms over Bengaluru as the Federation of Karnataka State Private Transport Association stands resolute in its decision to go on strike on September 11. This strike is set to involve various private transport operators, such as auto-rickshaws, taxis, and school bus owners, further intensifying the impact of the strike on the Karnataka capital. Bengaluru is called India's Silicon Valley. As Monday is a working day for IT employees and other commuters, the BMTC is also planning to deploy extra buses to meet the demand amid the strike.

Since implementing the Shakti scheme, which offers free bus travel for women in Karnataka, private players within the transportation industry have consistently expressed grief about its adverse effect on businesses. They have also discussed with the state transport minister Ramalinga Reddy, urging the inclusion of private buses in the Shakti scheme and requesting compensation to offset their incurred losses. Bengaluru Power Cut This Week: BESCOM Announces Power Outage in Parts of Karnataka's Capital Due to Maintenance Operations; Check Date, Timing and Other Details.

What will be closed?

On September 11, private transporters will stay off the roads. This includes the closure of all private airport taxis, requiring airport-bound travellers to make alternative arrangements or use BMTC Vayu Vajra bus services. App-based cab services like Ola and Uber have also declared their participation in the strike. Bengaluru Rains Forecast: Heavy Rainfall To Lash 'Silicon Valley' Till September 12, Predicts IMD; Yellow Alert Issued in Eight Karnataka Districts.

Auto-rickshaws, vital for Bengaluru's daily commuting, will be off the road as well due to the participation of auto-rickshaw unions. In addition, all private buses travelling within the state from Bengaluru will not operate on Monday. Some schools in the city have declared September 11 a holiday due to the strike and have also been forced to reschedule examinations.

What's Open?

Essential services will continue to operate without interruption in Bengaluru on September 11. Emergency services, such as ambulances and pharmaceutical vehicles, along with crucial goods-carrying vehicles, will remain in operation. Food and delivery vehicles, responsible for supplying daily essentials like groceries, will continue their services without disruption. Moreover, public transport, including BMTC buses and metro trains, will run as usual, with the BMTC planning to deploy extra buses on that day. All government and private offices will also function as routine.

The other demands of the private transport unions include setting up a support organisation for informal commercial drivers, offering loans at lower interest rates, stopping non-commercial white-board vehicles from carrying passengers, providing scholarships for drivers' children, banning app-based ride services, including private buses in the Shakti program, and taking action against finance companies that trouble drivers. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy stated that the government is willing to discuss these 30 demands.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 10, 2023 03:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).