The nationwide general strike called by various trade unions was peaceful in the district on Tuesday.
While the public transport including taxis and autoricksahaws came to a standstill, two-wheelers and privately owned cars could be seen in large numbers.
Except for the Sabarimala special services, all Kerala State Road Transport Corporation and private buses stayed off the road.
Shortage of buses
The most hit were the inter-State Sabarimala pilgrims who reached the railway station here following a shortage of KSRTC buses to clear the rush.
A tense situation prevailed here for hours in the morning as Ayyappa devotees jostled for space on buses that left for the Nilackal base camp.
They entered the buses parked on the station premises even through windows.
Argument
Meanwhile, a few others picked up an argument with KSRTC officials over the shortage of buses.
The situation, however, returned to normality by the afternoon.
While banks and several commercial establishments remained closed on Tuesday, most State government offices did not operate in view of skeletal staff.
Schools and colleges remained closed and university examinations remained postponed due to the general strike.
