Karnataka bandh on March 22: Autos, cabs may stay off roads; RTC buses to operate as usual

Bengaluru: Autos, cabs and other modes of private transport are likely to be disrupted across Karnataka on Saturday due to a 12-hour statewide bandh called by pro-Kannada organisations. 

However, public transport, including buses, trains and the metro, will operate as usual. 

The bandh call, given by veteran Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj, has been backed by nearly 2,000 pro-Kannada organisations. While it was triggered by the recent assault on a bus crew by pro-Marathi groups in Belagavi, the broader aim is to "uphold Kannadiga pride". 

"This bandh is for the future of Kannadigas, who have been getting a raw deal in their own land. We are losing jobs and economic opportunities," Nagaraj told DH. 

One of the concerns is the recently passed Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill 2024, which provides for dividing Bengaluru's civic body. Nagaraj claimed it would result in Bengaluru having a non-Kannadiga mayor. 

The former MLA admitted that the shutdown would affect the working class, especially daily wage workers, but urged them to cooperate for the cause of Kannada and Kannadigas. 

The bandh organisers plan to lead a procession from Town Hall to Freedom Park around 11 am. However, Nagaraj promised that no establishments will be forcibly shut down. "There will be no threat or coercion," he maintained. 

The BMTC, the KSRTC, the NWKRTC and the KKRTC will operate bus services as usual, according to officials. There will be no changes in Namma Metro and Indian Railway operations either. 

Auto auto and cab unions, including the Adarsh Auto Union and the Auto Rickshaw Drivers' Union, have backed the bandh. 

Airport cab services will also be affected, according to Tanveer Pasha of Ola and Uber Drivers' And Owners' Association. Contract transport services, including school vehicles, will operate normally, he added. 

The Karnataka State Hotels' Association has extended moral support but ruled out hotel closures. 

Many schools have already closed as their academic year has concluded. Some of those still functioning have declared a holiday for Saturday while others will open as usual. Schools' associations have left it to individual managements to take a decision.

What's on? 

Trains, govt buses, metro

Hotels, restaurants

What's off? 

Autos, cabs, private buses

State and central government offices will remain closed on account of the fourth Saturday.