Inter-state transport services yet to resume

As tension escalated in Karnataka after the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed it to release more water to Tamil Nadu, uncertainty looms large over resumption of transport services between the two neighbouring states.

Thousands of passengers bound for Karnataka were put to hardship for the second consecutive day on Wednesday since none of the Tamil Nadu registration vehicles, including Tamil Nadu State Road Transport Corporation buses were allowed to enter Karnataka, as a precautionary measure. 

Most of the buses were stopped two kilometres away from the inter-state border in Hosur. Passengers had to walk to reach Attibele in Karnataka to get alternative transport to reach their destinations.

Similar situation prevailed in Sathyamangalam in Erode district were vehicles were stuck in the border areas. Scores of labourers from Sathyamangalam work in Karnataka. Their daily earnings have been affected for the past one week as inter-state transport has been disrupted over the Cauvery row. 

Vehicles, especially trucks proceeding towards Mysuru from Nilgiris district have been stopped in border areas. Meanwhile, various transport associations, including LPG Truckers’ Association in Namakkal district staged a hunger strike on Wednesday demanding authorities to ensure inter-state movement of vehicles. Association president Kumarasamy said in Namakkal that lorry owners have incurred losses of over Rs 1,500 crore during the last two weeks.