A nationwide strike called by a coalition of around 10 central trade unions with the support from several farmers’ outfits in the country against alleged pro-corporate and anti-worker policies of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Union government impacted normal life in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday.

Shops, markets, business establishments, and educational institutions remained closed and the public transport system, except rail and air, came to a halt, with Kerala Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses, private buses, autorickshaws, and taxis keeping off the roads.

Most of the banks and government offices in the district were closed and the attendance of employees was skeletal at the offices that functioned. Works in Union government institutions like Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) remained normal. The majority of private and commercial vehicles were completely off the roads.

No rush

Although hospitals were open, there was no usual rush, including in the outpatient departments. The national highway and the M.C. road were deserted. Only two-wheelers and isolated private vehicles were seen on the road.

The police arranged transport facilities for those who got off at the Central Railway Station in Thampanoor to go to places like the Regional Cancer Centre and the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital.

There were no major untoward incidents reported. However, the strike supporters blocked vehicles, including the KSRTC services that operated in the morning, at many places. A protest march led by the NGO Union was also organised in front of the Raj Bhavan.