Travel operators in Bengaluru fear loss of livelihood if work-from-home increases, urge Centre for protection

Key points

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal urging citizens to adopt work-from-home (WFH) practices, minimise unnecessary travel and rely more on public transport has sparked concern among cab drivers and travel operators, with industry representatives warning that the move could severely impact the employee transportation sector.
• The Karnataka State Travel Operators’ Association (KSTOA) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking urgent intervention and protective measures for the transport industry, stating that thousands of drivers and small travel businesses could face financial distress if work-from-home arrangements become widespread again.
• Recently, fuel prices in Bengaluru were revised, a move that has hit travel operators.
• KSTOA president Radhakrishna Holla said, “We fully support measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and encouraging the use of public transport.
• However, the employee transportation sector is heavily dependent on daily office commuting.