The 24-hour nationwide transport strike hit normal life in Kerala today with public transport buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws keeping off the roads.
However, private cars and two wheelers were plying.
The strike has been called jointly by national level road transport organisations representing both public and private sector workers which are affiliated to central trade unions like AITUC, CITU, BMS, INTUC, HMS, AICCTU, LPF and state-level outfits in protest against the proposed Road Transport and Safety Bill, 2015.
Commuters in the state capital, who depend on Kerala State Transport Corporation had a tough time reaching their work places as the buses did not operate.
Hundreds of passengers, especially those coming to the Regional Cancer Centre and Trivandrum Medical college hospitals for treatment, had to wait for hours to get help to reach the hospitals.
Police were seen helping the patients to get into two police buses at the central railway station here.
No untoward incidents have been reported from any part of the state since the strike began at midnight last night.
At least 4,000 police personnel have been deployed at all major junctions. A control room helpline has also been opened and commuters who face any problem any seek help from police by calling either 1090 or 100, police sources said.
Examinations being conducted by various universities in the state have been postponed due to the strike.
The strike was total in Central and north Kerala also with public transport services keeping off the roads.
