The Opposition-sponsored shutdown started in Mumbai and the state peacefully Thursday, barring sporadic incidents of violence in Thane, officials say
The National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) Bharat Bandh in protest of the recently hiked petrol prices is likely to hit the Mumbaikar hard. People are jittery with the Shiv Sena, a key constituent of the NDA, claiming that city will come to complete standstill.
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The state government has assured people that they would ensure that law and order is maintained and essential services not disrupted.u00a0While the Shiv Sena and BJP have assured people that public transportation will not be affected, some demonstrations on rail tracks are likely to take place in the morning. Executives in MNCs have been advised to work from home and businesses too are likely to stay shut.
Though Mumbai's Taxi and Autorickshaw union leaders are not participating in the bandh, it’s unlikely that auto and taxi drivers will venture out fearing violence.u00a0Mumbai's world-famous dabbawallahs have announced they will not deliver to offices tomorrow.
Transport
Bus: BEST will keep 150 buses as buffer to runu00a0in case of any emergency. It has a regular fleet of 4,700 buses of which nearly 300 stay off the roads on an average for maintenance, etc.
Auto rickshaws and cabs:u00a0A majority of the 1 lakh auto rickshaws in Mumbai suburbs and 42,000 black-and-yellow taxis and fleet cabs are expected to be on the road. However, this may change in case of violence.u00a0
Railways: The lifeline of Mumbai will run as usual on Western and Central Railway. There will be additional railway police posted across railway stations.
Airport
Authorities will be operating four buses to transport passengers from the domestic and international terminals up to Vile Parle and Andheri railway stations and the closest BEST bus stands. There would be pick up and drop points at all terminals of Mumbai airport.
Water/garbage
BMC has promised that water supply and collection of waste will not be affected.
Dabbawalas
Carry your tiffin from home as dabbawalas will not be delivering lunches to offices and homes today.
Markets
The trucks, tempos and vehicles carrying vegetables, fruits and milk will supply to the main wholesale markets. However, you may not get them at your local markets as transportation within the city may be disrupted.
Exams
All University exams will be held as per schedule. More than 25,000 students are expected to appear for their examinations at 60 different engineering colleges.
Medical aid
Hospitals, clinics and medicine shops will run as normal as the protestors have promised not to harm any emergency service.
Restaurants
Looking for a bite on an unplanned holiday? Eateries will stay open, but in case of violence in the area, they may shut down.
Shops
Shopaholics, keep your shopping for another day — most stores and malls will stay shut for the first half of the day, as shops often bear the brunt of protestors. They may open later in the day.
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