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Key Points

The Karnataka-wide bus strike has severely impacted Belagavi, leaving passengers stranded. Workers demand unpaid salaries and oppose privatization, halting most services. Authorities confirm partial operations with police security in place. The High Court has intervened, urging a temporary pause in the strike.

Key Points: Karnataka Bus Strike Disrupts Belagavi Services Amid Salary Demands

  • Belagavi central bus stand sees minimal operations amid strike
  • Protesters demand 38 months of unpaid salaries
  • Goa and Maharashtra-bound passengers face severe delays
  • Transport Minister confirms partial bus operations despite unrest
2 min read

Karnataka state-wide bus strike hits border district of Belagavi; services disrupted at central bus stand

Belagavi passengers stranded as Karnataka bus strike halts inter-state and district services over unpaid wages and privatization concerns.

"The strike by the employees is underway, but so far, no major untoward incidents have taken place... – G Parameshwara"

Belagavi, August 5

The Karnataka state-wide bus strike on Tuesday has impacted the state, with the heat of the strike now reaching the border district of Belagavi. Bus services are disrupted at the Belagavi central bus stand, and only a handful of buses are in operation.

Moreover, city, rural, inter-district, and inter-state bus services were halted as transport workers were absent from duty in support of the protest.

Due to this, passengers travelling to Goa, Maharashtra, and other inter-state and district locations are struggling. Passengers are waiting for hours for buses, and those heading to far-off places are facing hardship.

This protest comes after the workers from Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) and Kalyana Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (KKRTC) held a strike, starting from 6 am today.

The protest has been called over demands, including the release of 38 months of outstanding salaries of transport employees, a wage revision to be made effective from January 1, 2024, privatisation and harassment of workers should stop, and drivers from the company should be assigned to electric buses as well. (ANI)

Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday said that the state-wide bus strike is underway, but no major incidents have been reported so far. He added that police have made necessary security arrangements and that some buses are still running despite the strike.

Speaking to ANI, G Parameshwara said, "The strike by the employees is underway, but so far, no major untoward incidents have taken place... The police have already made adequate security arrangements. If there had been a complete shutdown, the public would have faced inconvenience. One union or group is operating the buses."

Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said that all BMTC buses are running and about 40 per cent of KSRTC buses are in service despite the ongoing strike. He said that the High Court had heard a PIL and asked that the strike be postponed for a day.

"In BMTC, 100% buses are operating. In KSRCTC, 40% buses are operating. Yesterday, a PIL was heard in the High Court, and the court directed that the strike be postponed for a day. We are waiting for the court orders...We have arranged buses on a contractual basis in view of this strike," Reddy said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I sympathize with the workers' demands, the timing is terrible! So many people are stranded at Belagavi bus stand in this scorching heat. Couldn't they find a better way to protest? 🤔
A
Aditya G
The border district is always neglected in such situations. Belagavi connects 3 states and this strike is causing major economic losses. Government should have made contingency plans knowing this was coming.
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Sarah B
As an expat living in Belagavi, I'm shocked to see how transport workers are treated here. 3+ years without salary is inhumane. The government should be ashamed! Solidarity with the workers ✊
K
Karthik V
The ministers saying "some buses are running" clearly haven't visited Belagavi bus stand today. Absolute chaos here with people fighting for seats in the few available buses. Situation is worse than they're admitting.
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Nisha Z
This is why we need better railway connectivity in border districts. Complete dependence on road transport leaves us vulnerable to such disruptions. Hope the government learns from this crisis.
M
Michael C
Visiting from Mumbai and stuck here. Local people have been very helpful though, sharing water and food with stranded passengers. Karnataka's famous hospitality shining through even in difficult times 👍

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