CHENNAI: A state-wide bandh called by trade unions, private transport associations and others to protest against the attack on Tamils in Karnataka over the Cauvery water issue is likely to partially affect normal life in Tamil Nadu All political parties, except the ruling AIADMK, have extended support to the bandh.State transport corporation buses, suburban trains and cab services will keep the traffic flowing, ensuring commuters get to work.Officials of Metropolitan Transport Corporation said all their buses would function as usual. "There will be no drop in services. The police has promised to ensure that there are no untoward incidents" said an official. "Even if there is absenteeism, we have enough reserve staff to run services without hindrances," he added.The bandh is unlikely to affect the services of Ola and Uber and call taxies.Most of the schools are set to function as usual on Friday. Many CBSE schools and private schools have announced Friday a holiday but all others are likely to function unperturbed by the bandh.While school-owned buses and vans are likely to function, private van associations have announced that 50,000 vehicles will stay off the road in the state.Members of the Tamil Nadu School Van Drivers Association said that they had informed the parents of the children using their services about the strike.

Source: Times of India September 15, 2016 16:17 UTC