Cauvery water row: Transport corporations, tour operators lose Rs 200 crore

Bengaluru: Since the beginning of Cauvery crisis 15 days ago, state-run transport corporations of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and the travel and tourism industry operators in both states have suffered losses of around Rs 200 crore.

Buses, trucks, taxis and buses have stopped plying between the two states since the first week of September when the trouble began. Though some travel taxis and buses were moving between the two states, they completely stopped after some travellers were beaten up at Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu on September 8.

“Generally, thousands of tourists visit Ooty and from there they come to Mysuru. But it has completely stopped,” said Mr Kishan Bhat, a consultant working with a private hotel.

Since September 9, no KSRTC, TNRTC or private buses have operated between the two states. “It is hurting both states," said an officer from the state transport department.

Mr Bhagat Narayan S., a transport industry insider, said that total losses due to the blockade could be around Rs 200 crore. “It includes losses to vehicle owners, loss in taxes to both states and loss of income to the operators,” he said.

KSRTC and TNRTC officials said that no buses were operated between the two states even on Saturday. “Passengers are the real victims. Some of them, who visit hospitals in the city like Nimhans and St John's are forced to spend more on private vehicles,” said a KSRTC officer.