Commuters look at alternative options such as trains, and private buses. Government plans to hire temporary drivers.
Opposition-backed trade unions of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) began their indefinite strike demanding wage revision, among other issues.
In several areas, the strike began on Sunday evening itself, causing hardship to commuters.
While Tamil Nadu government insists only 10 out of 33 unions are taking part in the strike, most of the buses were off the roads on Monday.
Reporters from across Tamil Nadu bring you live updates:
10:45 am: Transport Minister M.R. Vijayabaskar told reporters that 37 unions were in support of the government. Ten others, including those headed by DMK and Left, have participated in the strike.
“Efforts are on to operate the buses in full strength even as 2000 private vehicles will be operated in Chennai to clear the rush,” he said.
Police protection was being given to buses plying on the roads, he said, adding, the government was ready to hold talks to break the logjam if the unions came forward for discussions.
10:40 am: Private buses were put on service to ply passengers to Tamil Nadu from Puducherry as TNSTC services have been stopped. Passengers were forced to pay three times more than the fixed bus fares.
10:30 am: The striking bus transport employees were stunned by government’s move to rope in school buses.
In all ,110 mofussil buses were operated on different routes within the Kancheepuram district and to destinations outside the district on the specified time allotted by the RTO.
