Total shutdown hits normal life

Chennai: Following the death of DMK chief M. Karunanidhi, the city and rest of the state witnessed total shutdown and wore a deserted look with state transport department suspending services across the state, fearing there might be violence in some areas. Even other transport modes like omni buses, cab, auto and taxi services were not in service giving immense inconvenience to the commuters.

Following the announcement of Karunanidhi’s death at 6.10 pm on Tuesday, most state-run buses stopped at nearby bus stands and depots without caring passengers, who even suffered without food and other basic amenities on Tuesday and throughout Wednesday. In Chennai city, there was not even a single Metropolitan Transport Service (MTC) bus leading to severe hardship for employees of private companies.

“When I travelled to Chennai from Madurai, passengers were suddenly informed that bus will not enter Chennai as high tension was building up due to Karunanidhi’s death. We had no option, but to book a taxi for exorbitant charge from Tindivanam to Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus [CMBT],” said A Philip, a techie in Chennai.

Even after they got down from the taxi, they faced hardship, as there was a total shutdown on early morning of Wednesday, he lamented.

Worse still, omni buses, autos and taxi were off the road on Wednesday.

A. Afzal, president of Tamil Nadu Omni Bus Owners Association, said “We have decided to operate omni buses after 7 pm on Wednesday and we have picked up passengers, who were left on Tuesday evening following tension over death of Karunanidhi.”   

When contacted, Davidar, PWC, additional chief secretary (transport), said, “About 70 government buses have so far been damaged across the state in a single day and we are closely monitoring the situation. Further, there is a high possibility of operating buses either on Thursday late night or early morning.”

MTC to operate bus services from Thursday

As government declared holiday on Wednesday, many MTC passengers were surprised to see not a single bus to reach their destination on Wednesday. Many arterial roads wore a deserted look with a few two-wheeler and cars plying on the roads.

Many passengers were forced to get down from buses following the announcement of DMK chief’s death on Tuesday evening.

Similarly, cab and auto services were completely suspended on Wednesday giving hardships to commuters. Further, since no eateries were open in the city, persons staying in mansions and other rooms were forced to go to railway stations and Amma canteen.

A senior MTC official said that MTC buses will be operated in a full- fledged manner from Thursday early morning.

No buses, cabs, restaurants in city

The city stood still as the government declared seven-day-mourning and a state funeral for DMK stalwart M. Karunanidhi on Wednesday.

All restaurants, malls, supermarkets, even public transport services were withdrawn as all roads led to Rajaji Hall where the mortal remains of leader were kept so the public could pay respects.

Following the announcement of his death, several shops in the city downed their shutters on Tuesday night and only opened them on Wednesday night. Theatre owners too cancelled shows starting from Tuesday night promising to refund the ticket money.

Travelling within the city became difficult for people without their own vehicles as public transport was hit and private vehicles, including cab services like Ola and Uber, became the only option. “These guys took advantage of the situation and overcharged customers. I paid Rs 120 for a 2 km ride,” said a distressed traveller. Travel outside the city was hit too with private travels cancelling services. “Most travellers cancelled their tickets on their own, we couldn’t function with a few customers so we cancelled our services,” said a travels service provider.

Restaurants and food delivery services shut down right after the announcement at 6:45 pm, leaving those living away from home in a difficult situation. “I brought groceries for the next two days as a precaution. Nothing was opened today as predicted,” said Indirani, a software engineer in the city.

However, the fact that ATMs and medical stores shut shop was the most difficult, say, citizens. Most did not even have time to withdraw money as all shutters were down as soon the announcement came. “I had to borrow money from my roommate as I had no other go,” said Priya, a hosteler, adding that she had to walk at least two km to reach a medical shop for an emergency purchase.