The 2-day bandh called by the Telangana supporters demanding a separate state bought the entire city to a halt. In the last few years, this was probably the bandh which made its impact felt, mostly on the city. As this was two consecutive days, the impact was immense. This is the first time in city, where the Telangana bandh impacted the normal life.
Schools, colleges, commercial establishments, ATMs remained closed. Long distance trains were hold up for several hours by the TRS activists. APSRTC withdrew its services in the city in the morning itself. They were expected to run in the evening after 6’o clock, but it didn’t happen. People landing even at major centers like railway stations, air ports and bus stations such as MGBS and JBS had a tough time reaching their destinations. Aeroexpress buses from airport to the city were also suspended by the airport authorities.
Traffic on the streets was very light. Most of the autos and private vehicles stayed off the roads. Those autos which were running cashed on the situation charging 3 times more the regular fares. Many autowallas made enough money – they even didn’t bother working after 6’oclock, they went home. Many people could not take their personal vehicles out as petrol pumps were closed.
The connection of the city with other places was almost lost. Nobody was allowed to come into the city. Even private vehicles were not allowed into the city. It took 9 hours for people (who started at 4’o clock in the morning) coming from Vijayawada to reach Hyderabad. People who started at 8 – 9’o clock could not make into city that day. Nobody came into and went out of the city.
Interestingly, there were no protests. People were not seen roaming to shut down the shops and other establishments. No local MLA talked against the TRS this time.