The 24-hour strike called by the All India Motor Transport Organisation, demanding the withdrawal of the proposed Motor Vehicle (MV) Amendment Bill, hit the common people in the district on Tuesday, with public transportation vehicles staying off the road.
Passengers especially those who reached railway and bus stations from far-off places in the morning were left stranded. Many of them either had to hitch-hike or rely on police vehicles to reach their destinations. However, by afternoon, the railway and bus stations wore a deserted look. Many local trains were running empty with commuters postponing travel plans.
Two-wheelers and cars plied on roads right from morning.
Buses of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) stayed off the road in connection with the strike call by the KSRTC Joint Trade Union Committee to press their demand to implement pay revision and to pay four instalments of DA to employees and pensioners.
The strike did not seriously affect the functioning of shops, hotels, restaurants and eateries in the city. However, a few shopping malls remained closed. The majority of shops at the commercial S.M. Street and its adjoining streets such as Moideen Palli Road, and at the busy Oasis Compound remained shut.
All government offices including Collectorate, taluk office and at the Corporation office witnessed moderate attendance. All educational institutions, including professional colleges, were given a holiday. The Calicut University cancelled all scheduled examinations for the day.
Automobile spare parts shops and driving schools also took part in the strike.
