CHENNAI: Most government buses were functional in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, day two of the Bharat bandh.
According to official data, around 98% (3,169) of MTC buses were operated in Chennai on Tuesday. Only 64 buses remained off road. Across the state, around 90% buses were available for the public.
On Monday, less than one-third buses could be operated as transport employees abstained from work. Considering the plight of students, office-goers and other commuters, protesting trade unions on Monday evening announced that only senior leaders would participate in strikes on day two and essential services like buses would not be affected.
On day two, auto and taxis were available but were charging a slightly higher fare. Police inspected fares at various transit hubs in the city and booked more than 150 autorickshaws for fleecing passengers.
Government buses were not crowded since many travelled in their bikes anticipating a repeat of Monday, when public transport was badly affected. "We waited for more than an hour on Monday at Central Railway Station for a bus to reach my office in Teynampet. Given that we are nearing the end of the financial year, the workload is already high and we can't afford to go late to work one more day,” said Vignesh, an auditor from Vyasarpadi.
As far as inter-district commute is concerned, many opted for trains on Tuesday. As a result, morning trains were more crowded than usual. .
Banking services were partially affected for the second day in a row as many employees extended solidarity to the nation-wide strike against privatisation of banks and 11 other demands. Transactions at several public sector banks were hit and there was a delay in clearing cheques and government treasury operations.
TN trade unions have called their efforts a success. Though thousands will be losing out a portion of their salaries, they have gathered to show their opposition to the policies of the union government, K Natarajan from LPF said.
