Though the hartal called by the UDF was peaceful, shops and educational institutions remained closed. Contrary to previous hartals the service extension of Kochi Metro Rail came as a boon to the daily commuters
KOCHI: The dawn-to-dusk- hartal called by the UDF in protest against anti-people policies of the Union and state governments on Monday, passed off peacefully in Ernakulam. Though private buses stay off the road, people reached their workplaces on two-wheelers and cars. However, much to the relief of the public, online taxi cabs conducted services. Contrary to previous hartals, people who arrived at Ernakulam North and South Railway stations did not find it difficult to move to their destinations within the city, thanks to the service extension of Kochi Metro Rail to Maharaja’s College Ground.
A few commuters who ventured out on the hartal day said it is a good thing that the Metro services have begun in the city. Priya Mohan, who works at a private establishment, said,”Earlier, it used to be difficult for us. We had to either walk or depend upon KSRTC. But with the launch of the Metro services, travelling during hartals have become a hassle-free affair. I will take a Metro ride to Palarivattom from the Lissie station.”
“I came from to Aluva on a train. From there, I took Kochi metro to reach my office at Edappally. Earlier during hartals, we had to wait for hours at Aluva for KSRTC buses. But the launch of commercial services by Kochi metro is really a blessing,” said Mohammed Anas, from Aluva.
Meanwhile, the service extension of Kochi metro has helped people from suburbs like Companyppady, Pathalam, and Muttom to reach the City centre.
“Most of the prime destinations within the city centre are at a walkable distance from the Metro stations, be it Ernakulam South Station, North Railway Station, KSRTC stand or Lissie and Medical Trust Hospitals,” said Krishna Sukumar a storekeeper.
Meanwhile, though there had been a surge in fare till 10 am, the Uber services came down to the normal rates after 10.30 am on the hartal day. “At some junctions, the hartal supporters asked us not to conduct the services. However, we did not face any threat from the hartal supporters. For us, the hartal days provide an opportunity to earn a few bucks,” said Shaleel, an Uber Driver.
The State Human Rights Commission has already issued an order stating those who indulge in destruction of public property during hartals should have case registered against them and they should be brought before the Court.
Police’s Efforts
The Police Department made all the necessary arrangements to facilitate the office-goers, vehicles travelling to the airport and hospitals. A total of 12 DySPs, 15 circle inspectors, 200 sub-inspectors and 1,500 policemen were deployed at various areas. “No untoward incidents were reported till 5 pm. The police made all the necessary arrangments to ensure free movement of vehicles. We also helped those who got stranded at the railway stations and bus stands to reach their destinations safely. Police personnel were deployed at various junctions. Altogether, the whole plan worked effectively,” said K Laljy, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ernakulam.
Shops Closed
Most of the business establishments, food outlets and petty shops in the city remained shut. However, the strike failed to affect public and private banks. Ernakulam Broadway Kochi remained quiet with all the shops remaining closed. Most of the shop owners did not open the shops even after 6 pm.