K’taka allows buses, autos, cabs from today

BENGALURU: Easing restrictions further as the COVID19 induced lockdown entered the fourth phase, the Karnataka government on Monday allowed public transport services to operate from May 19, except in containment zones.

Following the recent spike in coronavirus infections, the government said it has decided to allow people from states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu entry into Karnataka in a staggered manner, while special cases will be allowed on request.

With the lockdown 4.0, the government also decided to do away with colour coding of districts into red, orange and green zones and instead, focus on containment for monitoring.

On April 23, the Karnataka government partially relaxed COVID-19 lockdown norms in the state, allowing IT and IT- enabled services to operate with essential minimum staff and also certain construction activities, manufacturing of packaging materials, courier services, among others.

In earlier relaxations, the government had allowed certain industries to operate, besides opening of liquor outlets and some standalone shops.

Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Monday convened a meeting with Ministers and senior officers on permitting various activities in the fourth phase of the lockdown in the state, as per guidelines issued by the Government of India.

Detailed discussions were held about holding economic activities, people arriving from other countries and states, their quarantining, restarting public transport and the law and order situation, along with containing COVID-19. "Lockdown will continue till May 31.In containment zones, there will be strict restrictions. If anyone violates the law, we will book criminal cases against them," Yediyurappa said.

Speaking to reporters,he said for the benefit of movement of people, all four state transport corporations (BMTC, KSRTC, NEKRTC and NWKRTC) have been allowed to operate, except in containment zones, from Tuesday morning. Private buses have also been permitted to ply, he said, adding that only 30 people would be allowed to travel in a bus with mandatory wearing of masks and maintaining physical distancing.

Amid apprehensions about bus fare hike due to losses faced by these transport corporations, the government has made it clear that the fares would not be increased and it would bear the losses.