BENGALURU: With cabs and autorickshaws staying off the roads today due to the Bengaluru bandh call given by private transporters, former India cricketer Anil Kumble took a ride back home from the airport in a BMTC bus.
Sharing a picture of himself on the bus, Kumble wrote on X, “BMTC trip back home today from the airport”. Many X users responded to his post. Akshay Natarajan (@akshaynatarajan) posted saying, “Lovely Anil. Wishing more people make use of the Vayu Vajra service ????”
BMTC trip back home today from the airport. pic.twitter.com/jUTfHk1HrE
— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) September 11, 2023
Hussain (@imhussy92) said, ” Down to earth Anil Bhai ❤️” while Abhishek Ojha (@vicharabhio) posted, “So simple and down to earth Kumble Sir ❤️”. Shilpa (@shilpa_cn) wrote, “Those people in the bus will be lucky to get your autograph and a selfie! :)”
Some others even had a humourous take. TauTumhare (@TauTumhare) posted saying, “Anil Sir’s bowling speed was faster then speed of BMTC bus !”. Maharaj Patil (@IamViruLover) said, “Please stop by Anil Kumble circle sir ????”.
The BMTC has deployed over 500 buses to the airport in view of the bandh. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said additional buses have been deployed across the city for the convenience of commuters. Namma Metro was also plying trains at 5-minute intervals during non-peak hours in view of the rush.
Meanwhile, the protesting transporters’ unions forcefully stopped autorickshaws and taxis that were plying. They let out air from tyres, slashed the tyre of a Toyota Innova taxi, smashed an egg on the head of a taxi driver in Hebbal.
The private transporters are protesting against the Shakti free travel scheme for women in government buses, monthly aid for auto and taxi drivers, ban on Rapido two-wheeler taxis among others.