Day-long strike stalls banking operations in Karnataka

December 18, 2013

Bangalore, Dec 18: A day-long strike by about 12,000 employees of state-run and private banks Wednesday stalled operations, including transactions, across Karnataka, a trade union leader said.

"The strike was total and peaceful across the state. About 4,000 employees of banks in and around Bangalore demonstrated outside the State Bank of Mysore (SBM) head office in the city centre in support of their demands, including wage revision," said Karnataka's United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) joint convener A.N. Krishnamurthy told.

Under the banner of UFBU, nine unions, including five representing workers and four representing officers, had submitted in October 2012 a charter of demands including wage revision which was due from Nov 1 that year.

"Though we had five negotiations with the Indian Banks Association (IBA) and officials of the ministry of labour, there is no response so far on our demands despite the work load in branches increasing many fold due to growing volume of business," Krishnamurthy said.

He said thousands of bank employees and officers were working under great stress, risking their health and well-being. Spiralling prices have added to their woes.

He termed the ongoing banking sector reforms "ill-advised", and said that despite disapproval of such moves by employees, the government was bent on eroding the public sector character of its banks.

"In the guise of liberalisation and globalisation, the government wants to privatise state-run banks by reducing their majority equity stake below 51 percent which is against the spirit of banks nationalisation by then Congress government in 1969," Krishnamurthy said.

The unions also expressed concern over the recent statement of new Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Raghuram Rajan in New York that foreign banks would be allowed to set up 100 percent subsidiaries in the country.

"The RBI governor has caused apprehension in us by unilaterally declaring outside the country that more multinational banks would be allowed to do business in India knowing well that many of them like Lehman Brothers caused the financial meltdown in Europe and the US since mid-2008," Krishnamurthy said.

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Mangaluru Water Metro Project: A step towards sustainable urban mobility

coastaldigest.com news network

November 5,2024

Mangaluru: The Karnataka Maritime Board (KMB) has initiated the groundwork for the much-anticipated Mangaluru Water Metro Project (MWMP). The project, which was first announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah during the state budget presentation, aims to introduce water-based public transport along the Gurupur and Netravathi rivers in Mangaluru.

The proposed Mangaluru Water Metro will follow in the footsteps of Kochi's successful Water Metro system, which has become a model for eco-friendly and efficient urban transport in India. The KMB will now conduct necessary feasibility studies to assess how this concept can be adapted to Mangaluru's unique geographical and urban landscape.

A 30-Kilometer Stretch Connecting 17 Key Locations
According to a senior officer from KMB, the project will span a 30-kilometer route that connects key points across the rivers and coastline. The water metro service will cover locations such as Bajal, Kulur Bridge, New Mangaluru Port, Sultan Battery, Tannirbhavi, Old Port, Hoige Bazaar, and Someshwar Temple. The service aims to link 17 important points, benefiting both daily commuters and tourists. This initiative not only seeks to reduce congestion in Mangaluru but also promises to boost tourism and recreational activities by providing an alternative mode of transport.

Focus on Eco-Friendly and Efficient Water Transport
The Mangaluru Water Metro will feature modern catamaran boats, which may be powered by electric or diesel engines. These boats will be equipped with essential amenities to ensure smooth and safe operations. The project’s emphasis on sustainability means that the boat fleet will be designed to minimize environmental impact, making water transport both eco-friendly and economically viable.

Feasibility Study to Shape Project Design
The initial feasibility report will cover several crucial aspects, including the placement of water metro stations. These locations will be chosen based on factors such as passenger demand, availability of land, connectivity to other transport modes, and sustainability. A detailed LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) survey will further aid in mapping the river routes and surrounding areas, providing precise data for the project’s planning phase.

In addition to assessing operational needs, the feasibility study will also project future demand for water metro services over the next 25 years. By exploring various scenarios, planners can ensure that the water metro is designed to accommodate both current and future user requirements.

Special Purpose Vehicle for Project Management
The report is expected to recommend creating a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to manage the project. This independent entity would help secure funding, attract investors, and ensure professional oversight, enhancing the project's credibility and long-term viability.

What is the Mangaluru Water Metro Project?
The Mangaluru Water Metro Project aims to introduce a sustainable water-based public transport system to alleviate traffic congestion in the city and promote tourism. Inspired by the Kochi Water Metro, the project will create a seamless and eco-friendly transport option along the Gurupur and Netravathi rivers, covering key points across the city’s riverside and coastal areas.

Once operational, the Mangaluru Water Metro will offer a modern, efficient, and scenic alternative to road transport, helping transform urban mobility in the city while boosting tourism and reducing environmental impact.

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