'Streets were never so enjoyable': People react to Bengaluru Bandh

The Federation of Private Transporters in Karnataka is observing a day-long bandh (strike) in Bengaluru, against the free travel scheme for women—the Shakthi scheme—and also other demands.

With over 30 private transport organisations and farmers’ associations supporting Bandh, the strike has caused significant inconvenience to commuters.

According to IANS, as school buses and private transport were not available, parents had to take their children to the schools themselves. Many office-goers had to walk or depend on government buses. The protestors also beat up auto drivers who dared to ferry passengers. Videos also show protestors slapping a driver of a taxi.


However, many Bengalurueans could not stop themselves from appreciating the more quite and free roads due to the bandh.

"I would urge them to go on indefinite bandh, cuz bengaluru streets were never such enjoyable as it is now," said one Twitter (now X) user Aditya Mohan.



Another shared a Google Maps showing a 25-minute drive from his home to The Fore - total 12 km distance - saying "Monday never looked like this".


One unlucky person, however, still got stuck in a traffic jam on a day when most autos, taxis, and private buses were off the roads.


"Bangalore Bandh today, and now I’m stuck in Bangalore traffic for the first time this year!," said a person, Dishen Shah.


Another person shared a jam-packed photo from inside the Bengaluru Metro.

Earlier in the day, former Indian cricketer Anil Kumble took a bus from Bengaluru airport to his home. "BMTC trip back home today from the airport," he tweeted along with a selfie.

Meanwhile, disturbing videos also surfaced from Bengaluru. In one such video, tweeted by one Kamran, a person can be seen smashing a car's windshield. ET has not independently verified the video.


Sharing his experience, another person warned others to expect a mess. "Landed in #Bengaluru 30 mins before #BengaluruBandh. @Olacabs was not on... took a @KSTDC Airport Taxi... cabbie exited Airport & said Bandh begins at 12 and he would go till he can. Drove like Schumacher and reached Residency Rd 9 mins into the Bandh! BLR... expect a mess today!," wrote one Prasadh.