Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has stopped its Bengaluru services in the wake of ongoing tension in Karnataka in connection with the Cauvery water dispute.
Meanwhile, the trips of nine KSRTC buses to Karnataka via Salem has been cancelled.
The KSRTC discarded its earlier plan to operate the service owing to closure of Bengaluru-Mysuru road.
A total of 43 buses belonging to KSRTC, including four special services, are currently stationed in Bengaluru. It may be noted that around 2,000 persons have booked tickets to Kerala on Monday. The services will be resumed only if the tension subsides. The buses, which are on their way to Karnataka, may be halted at depots in Palakkad and Sultan Bathery, say sources.
State Transport Minister A K Saseendran said the present situation is not conducive to operate services.
“Ministerial-level discussions will be held. If tension prevails, all services will be cancelled,” he said.
Following the developments, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had discussed the matter with his Karnataka counterpart Siddaramaiah. The Karnataka CM has assured that the buses heading to Kerala would be given protection till the state border.
Meanwhile, the KSRTC management has decided to stay off the roads until the issue is resolved. The buses to Bengaluru may ply up to Mysuru.
If tension prevails, the private bus operators are likely to abstain from operating services.
As Onam is nearing, the uncertainty over the bus service has spoiled the travel plans of thousands of Keralites.
