We may still be under pressure from several pro-Kannada organisations calling for a statewide Karnataka bandh on August 13 over the long-standing Cauvery water dispute, but life in Bengaluru has remained unaffected.
The state capital has been up to the grind of daily traffic, public transport is still operating normally, and business is going on as normal. But authorities have taken precautions in sensitive areas, especially in transport services between Karnataka and neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
Following instructions from the police and district administration, bus services operating from Bengaluru to various destinations in Tamil Nadu have been temporarily suspended. The move was taken to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure passenger safety amid concerns over possible protests and demonstrations linked to the bandh.
The places affected include major towns and cities in Tamil Nadu, such as Ooty, Tiruvannamalai, Thallakurchi, Salem, Vellore, Kalpakkam, Kanchipuram, Vandavasi, Tiruvallur, Ulundurpet, Tirupattur, Cuddalore, Tiruttani, Tittakudi, Thirukovilur, Chidambaram, Virudhachalam, and many others. Passengers who had booked tickets for those routes should check with transport authorities for service updates and alternate travel arrangements.
Despite the temporary suspension of the interstate services to Tamil Nadu, transportation in Karnataka has not been affected at all. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses are working normally on most intra-state routes. Bengaluru to Mysuru services through T. Narasipura, Hunsur, Ramanagara, Channapatna, Mandya, Srirangapatna, Maddur, Madikeri, Kushalnagar, Mangaluru and many other services have been running as scheduled in the early morning.
Public transport services in the state are being closely managed, officials said, and buses will continue to operate according to demand and law and order. Police personnel have been deployed at major bus terminals, railway stations and at key junctions in Bengaluru and other districts to smooth out traffic and to keep the public safe.
Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru also remains operational as usual. There was no shutdown at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and passenger movement at both terminals remained normal despite the bandh and airport commuters being worried about the impact of the strike on airport transportation. A lot of passengers arrived at the airport early in the morning as there is a lack of cab services and other transport options.
But airport officials confirmed that cab services, private vehicles, and app-based taxi services are operating normally. Drop-off and pick-up services are still going on, and domestic and international passengers are accessing the airport as usual. No major disruption has been reported, and the police have beefed up security and surveillance at the airport site as a precautionary measure.
Businesses, offices, schools and essential services in Bengaluru have been doing well. Traffic on major highways has been mostly quiet with only a few disruptions in those areas where protests are expected. But authorities are on guard and will be monitoring the situation throughout the day in order not to escalate.
The Cauvery water dispute is a sensitive issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and protests in both states have been accompanied by political mobilisation. The bandh call has raised security and precautionary forces, and so far in Bengaluru and many parts of Karnataka is peaceful and calm.
