The indefinite strike announced by interstate private buses in Kerala began on Monday.
The strike has been called to protest against the move by the Motor Vehicles Department to seize buses that operate without permits and violate several other norms in the wake of several incidents involving Kallada Travels.
If alternative travel arrangements are not made, journeys to Bengaluru and other cities will be hit in the coming days.
About 360 buses ply to Bengaluru and other cities outside Kerala on a daily basis from different parts of the state.
Hundreds of passengers use these services daily. Since the private buses have gone on strike, passengers will have to rely only on KSRTC services and trains.
Since the bus owners have not informed the government beforehand about the strike, there won't be any talks with them, said the transport minister A. K. Saseendran.
Meanwhile, the KSRTC will evaluate the situation and introduce more services if there is a requirement. The bus owners had announced the strike saying that all tourist buses are being targeted because of a few incidents that took place involving Kallada buses.
The bus owners are also agitated because the fine for violating permit norms has been increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. At the same time, the Motor Vehicles Department said that it will continue with its drive against buses that operate without permits.