Sabarimala issue: BJP bandh in Kerala hits inter-state traffic

TNSTC buses to Kerala from Gandhipuram, Ukkadam and Pollachi in Coimbatore district were not operated. Similarly, Kerala State Transport Corporation buses operated from Palakkad, Ernakulam and Cochin to Coimbatore did not ply since morning. The BJP had called for a dawn-to-dusk bandh in Kerala after an Ayyappa devotee immolated himself.

According to Transport Department officials, more than 4,000 people travel to Kerala on a daily basis, and an equal number come to Tamil Nadu from the neighbouring state.

Several passengers at Ukkadam bus terminus returned disappointed as there was no bus service. The usually busy Ukkadam bus terminus wore a deserted look due to the strike. Also, buses from Pollachi were not operated to Kerala.

Some buses were stopped at the Tamil Nadu border in Gopalapuram, Meenakshipuram, Govindapuram and Nadupuni. Even tourist vehicles bound were stopped at checkposts. However, vehicles carrying Ayyappa devotees were not stopped.

A large number of lorries laden with vegetables, poultry, flowers and coconut fibre were lined up for about a kilometre at Gopalapuram and Meenakshipuram checkposts. Anticipating trouble, a huge contingent of police personnel was deployed in the inter-state borders. However, the day passed off peacefully without any major incident.

Meanwhile, following the suspension of bus services, there was a huge crowd at Coimbatore railway station to board trains to Kerala as people considered it a safe option for travel.