KSRTC resumes TN services, but not enough for those stranded

The KSRTC resumed its services between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on Wednesday. But that proved inadequate for commuters as the KSRTC could not resume all its services.  

With Wednesday being a holiday on account of Valmiki Jayanti, many people who had been to the neighbouring state and wanted to return in time for work on Thursday, found it difficult to get buses in the neighbouring state on Wednesday evening.

Many have been stranded in either state after services were suspended on Tuesday, as a precaution, following the denial of bail by the High Court of Karnataka to former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalitha. The travellers had faced a harrowing time due to non-availability of buses for nearly 24 hours. KSRTC officials said that the services of 417 buses that were suspended resumed their operations from Wednesday evening.

“The situation seemed to be normal and hence, we decided to restart the services,” they said. Apart from direct buses to Tamil Nadu, there are a few which pass through Tamil Nadu to reach other states.

To add to the woes of the passengers, private bus operators were plying less vehicles as a precaution. Regular taxi services between Tamil Nadu and Bangalore were also hit.

Radhakrishna Holla, general secretary, Bangalore Tourist Taxi Operators’ Association, said, “On a daily basis, 1,200 taxis operate between the two states for tourism, corporate meetings and other purposes. Under the present circumstances, even these remained off the road, which meant quite a loss for the taxi operators under BTTOA. From Wednesday, only emergency taxi services will be in operation between the two states. Further decision will be taken depending on the situation.”

“Due to the extended weekends, bookings this year were good when compared to last year. The Jayalalitha issue has hit the otherwise flourishing business. We will wait and watch,” he added.