Karnataka bandh called by Vatal Nagaraj over the Cauvery water release controversy saw a mixed response in Bengaluru, with BMTC and KSRTC buses operating normally. At the same time, some passengers reached the airport early.
Bengaluru: The Karnataka bandh called by Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj over the Cauvery water release controversy has received a mixed response in Bengaluru, with public transport services continuing to operate despite concerns among passengers.
The bandh has been called from 6 am to 6 pm on Thursday. However, traffic movement at the KSRTC and BMTC bus stands in Majestic remained normal during the morning.
BMTC buses began operating from around 4:30 am, while KSRTC services also continued as usual. Officials from both transport corporations said arrangements had been made to ensure that passengers did not face difficulties during the bandh.
Karnataka Bandh Sees Normal BMTC Bus Operations
BMTC buses have continued to operate across Bengaluru despite the bandh call. Although passengers had concerns about the availability of public transport, buses began running early in the morning. The number of passengers, however, was reported to be lower than usual amid the bandh.
More than 45 lakh passengers use BMTC buses every day, making the corporation a key part of Bengaluru's daily public transport network.
BMTC officials have made arrangements to continue services and maintain passenger movement during the bandh period.
KSRTC Buses Continue Services in Bengaluru
The KSRTC and BMTC bus stands in Majestic have not witnessed a complete shutdown, and buses have continued to serve passengers.
The lower passenger turnout has been linked to uncertainty over the bandh and concerns about possible disruptions to public transport during the day.
Transport officials are monitoring the situation and have made arrangements to maintain services.
BMTC and KSRTC buses are operating normally in Bengaluru despite the Karnataka bandh, although passenger numbers have declined.
Karnataka Bandh Leads Passengers to Reach Bengaluru Airport Early
The bandh has also affected the travel plans of passengers using Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Some passengers, concerned about the availability of buses and cabs travelled to the airport much earlier than their scheduled flight times.
Several passengers reached the airport during the early morning hours, anticipating possible difficulties in getting public transport or cabs to Devanahalli later in the day. Passengers with flights scheduled after 12 noon were also among those who arrived early as a precautionary measure.
Passengers Wait at Kempegowda Airport
The early arrival of passengers resulted in several people waiting inside the airport for their flights. Some passengers, including women and children, were seen waiting in the airport premises. Some were also seen sleeping on seats while waiting for their scheduled departures.
The decision to reach the airport early was taken by passengers concerned about possible disruption to bus and cab services during the Karnataka bandh. The bandh announcement had raised concerns over whether passengers would be able to reach the airport on time if transport services were affected.
Karnataka Bandh Gets Mixed Response in Bengaluru
The situation in Bengaluru during the morning indicated that the bandh had not received widespread support across the city. Despite the bandh call, BMTC and KSRTC buses continued operating, while traffic at Majestic remained normal.
At the same time, some passengers altered their travel plans because of uncertainty over public transport and cab availability. The situation could change during the remaining bandh period from 6 am to 6 pm, depending on developments and participation in different parts of Bengaluru.
The Karnataka bandh has been called against the backdrop of the Cauvery water release controversy, with Kannada organisations seeking action on issues related to Karnataka's water interests.
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