The 24-hour motor strike called by Central trade unions to protest against the provisions of the Centre’s ‘Road Transport and Safety Bill 2014’ evoked mixed response in Kochi.
A good share of private vehicles such as cars and two-wheelers took to most arterial roads and highways from morning itself, possibly because this was the second motor stir in a month. Goods vehicles and taxi cars, which were supposed to join the strike, were seen on roads by evening. Many inter-State lorries operated through highways and NH Bypass even from afternoon.
There was more than usual number of passengers in ferries across the State which operated as usual, since the strike was against Road Safety Bill, said a senior official of State Water Transport Department (SWTD). There were more than usual passengers in trains too, since buses kept off the road.
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Shops, especially eateries, remained open in many places. Employee turnout at government offices and hospitals was below normal.
But autorickshaws, KSRTC and private buses remained off the road. A KSRTC official said normal operations would resume only from Friday morning. Private buses too are expected to resume operations only from Friday morning.