Interstate luxury bus services hit as Karnataka operators halt services to Kerala

KOCHI/BENGALURU : Scores of passengers travelling between Kerala and major South Indian cities like Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad were left stranded after several private luxury bus operators cancelled trips, citing safety concerns following alleged assaults on drivers. According to operators, a section of drivers resorted to a token strike, demanding adequate protection after one of their colleagues was reportedly attacked by anti-social elements near the Kerala border. The drivers handed over a letter about their protest only last night. We had to cancel several trips and block charts for the day. Services are expected to return to normal from Friday, said Rijas A J, who oversees inter-state operations for Sona Travels. Sources said the drivers of buses operating via Walayar and Coimbatore suspended services following the incident. One of us was assaulted by a Coimbatore-based private bus owner and his gang. Another bus was stopped in Chennai on Wednesday. We want authorities to take strict action and ensure our safety on these routes, said a driver, requesting anonymity. Meanwhile, in Karnataka, the State Private Bus Owners Association confirmed that most Karnataka-owned private buses had suspended services to Kerala over the past week, alleging repeated instances of physical assault and harassment. Our drivers are scared to operate in Kerala after being stopped and attacked. Until the issue is addressed by the departments concerned, many have chosen to stay off the road, said association president S Nataraj Sharma. He added that while around 20 Kerala-owned buses continue to operate normally, nearly all Karnataka-owned services remain halted. The association has taken up the issue with Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and Transport Commissioner Yogeesh A M, sharing video evidence of the incidents. If the operators provide proof, we will pursue the matter, the Transport Commissioner told TNIE.