Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Jan 8: KSRTC bus stand near Bejai in the city, which is usually abuzz with activity with passengers rushing around to catch buses, wore a deserted look on Friday January 8 due to the weekend curfew.
Only 50% of the buses are operating from the depot. A handful of buses are plying to other districts and within Dakshina Kannada, said KSRTC divisional controller Arun Kumar.
Every day, 18 buses ply to Bengaluru from the city. However on Saturday, only nine buses are operating on this route.
Though buses are ready to ferry passengers, there are not enough passengers. With most people staying indoors due to the curfew, buses are running almost empty.
Many bookings, including those to Bengaluru were cancelled. Bus services to Tamil Nadu were also cancelled. There were hardly any passengers even to Kasargod.
After months of relaxation, weekend curfew began in coastal districts and rest of Karnataka on the night of Friday January 7 as per government guidelines to control the third wave of coronavirus, especially the fast spreading Omicron variant.
The police were strictly monitoriing the streets to ensure implementation of the curfew, and stopped vehicles that were plying without valid reason. Over 20 vehicles were seized on Saturday morning by the police. Only those in need of emergency services were allowed. The weekend curfew will continue till 5 am on Monday January 10.